By Monsuru Olowoopejo

Lagos State government, yesterday, inaugurated a task force to arrest street traders, hawkers and pedestrians crossing major highways in the state.

KAI officials at work

The taskforce comprises officials of the Ministry of the Environment, Enforcement and Advocacy, Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI, officials, Lagos State Taskforce on Environment and Special Offences and officials of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS.

Inaugurating the taskforce in Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Babatunde Adejare said that these efforts were part of the State Governor’s strategy to ensure free flow of traffic, noting that free flow of traffic will improve the state’s economic.

The commissioner noted that anyone caught trading or hawking on the roads including setbacks, median and walk-way, will face the full wrath of the Law.

He added that traders and buyers are liable for persecution under the Lagos State Environmental Laws.

He lamented that street traders often litter the roads with refuse thereby causing avoidable traffic in the State.

Adejare maintained that it was forbidden for anyone to cross the highways; warning that anyone caught crossing the highway will be apprehended and prosecuted accordingly.

The commissioner stated that the taskforce has “been fully mobilized to ensure strict com-pliance with these directives.”

The commissioner appealed that residents should make good use of the pedestrian bridges that have been provided across the state; while street traders and hawkers should desist from trading on the highways.