By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State government has sealed several properties under construction on Lagos Island for obstructing public roads with building materials.
The action which was announced in a statement on Sunday signed by the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.
It was stated that during an inspection tour of Lagos Island, Wahab, accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, found that the properties located at 65, 68, and 124 Adeniji Adele Road were in flagrant violation of environmental laws.
The buildings had placed construction materials such as sand, gravel, and cement directly on public roads, obstructing pedestrian access and significantly narrowing available space for vehicles.
“While on an inspection tour of Lagos Island earlier today, I ordered the sealing of properties at 65, 68, and 124 Adeniji Adele Road for dropping building materials on the road and constituting an environmental nuisance,” the statement read partly.
A video accompanying the announcement showed one of the sealed properties, currently under construction, cordoned off with aluminum sheets.
Piles of sand were seen occupying much of the street, blocking access to the road and covering drainage systems. Another property displayed stacks of gravel and cement bags spilling over its perimeter, further encroaching on the roadway.
“Such actions are necessary to ensure that construction activities are carried out in line with environmental standards and do not disrupt the daily lives of residents,” Wahab added.