IKEJA— Lagos State Government has started the demolition of property illegally built on drainage channels and canals within its domain, just as it has commenced the alignment and construction of canals to tackle impending flooding.

It, however, vowed not to spare any structure built on water path in its battle to rid the canals and drainage alignment of unapproved buildings.

Already, all property built on the entire two-kilometre stretch of Adiran drainage channels have been demolished.

Adiran is one of the 10 drainages being undertaken by the government to channel flood from the Eti-Osa axis into the Lagoon.

The demolition team led by the Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, also affected property, fences and adjoining kiosks erected along the drainage channels in Somolu, Gbagada and Bariga areas.

Bello described the exercise as the beginning of work, stressing that the government is determined to reestablish the various drainage channels in order to permanently tackle the problem of flooding.

According to him, “this is the beginning of the work, there are areas that will be line and others dredge. What we are enforcing now is a follow up to the visit of the governor after the July 10 incidence in the state.

“The governor during that visit gave instructions that property on drain channels be removed and that is what we are doing. We need to reestablish and align the canals because it is from then that we can construct the channels.”

The commissioner said the effort was not a promise to a flood free Lagos, but however appealed to residents to stop dumping refuse in the channels, saying it is through the cooperation of residents that the objective would be achieved.

“I cannot promise you flood free Lagos but this is an impact of the climate change all over the world. The climate has change dramatically all over the world and we are having more rains and that is bringing a lot of flood all over the place you can see what is happening in Japan and all over the world.”

He assured that the government will do all it can to reduce the incidents of flooding when we have unusual rain. “This government is sensitive, responsive and is willing to help address the challenges.”

The commissioner also warned traders especially those operating in Mushin, Cele and Ladipo market to comply with the state environmental laws in order to avert the wrath of the law.