Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has demolished shanties and other unlawful constructions used by street sellers and traffic vendors along the Lekki-Epe Expressway’s first and second toll gates.
Mr Ibrahim Odumboni, Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO), LAWMA, stated in a statement that the destruction was carried out as part of a thorough enforcement effort that went on for several hours.
Odumboni stated that the corridor had recently become known for persistent gridlock and other environmental inconveniences which he attributed largely to the illegal operations of those vendors.
He strongly rebuked the traders’ actions, warning that anyone seen attempting to reassemble the shanties would be detained and prosecuted immediately.
“We have declared zero tolerance on street trading along the Lekki-Epe Expressway as these activities have led to significant environmental nuisance and traffic congestion.
“It is our duty to ensure that our city remains clean and habitable for all residents and visitors
“Hence, we urge all traders to vacate the expressway immediately and avoid any further environmental infractions,” Odumboni said.
Furthermore, he urged locals to change their attitudes toward the environment.
He emphasized the need of environmental maintenance, warning that anyone who continued to flout existing rules would face harsh penalties.
Odumboni stated that the clampdown on street dealing would be maintained in that axis and stretched to others throughout the city, in accordance with LAWMA’s greater objective to improve Lagos’ general cleanliness and livability.
He also stated that arrested perpetrators would be prosecuted and their identities and images would be made public.
