The Lagos State Government has issued a formal directive to shanty owners situated along the Blue Rail line, instructing them to vacate the premises.
This announcement was made by the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, as confirmed by the ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Kunle Adeshina.
The directive was officially conveyed during an inspection of the corridor in Orile.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, whose name was not mentioned in the statement, emphasized the importance of this move to address issues related to the Blue Rail corridor.
The Blue Rail corridor has been a point of concern due to various infractions and encroachments by informal settlements, commonly referred to as shanties.
These shanties pose both safety and developmental challenges to the government’s plans for the rail line.
The Lagos State Government’s decision to ask shanty owners to leave the Blue Rail corridor signifies a proactive effort to ensure the safety and efficiency of the transportation infrastructure.
It is expected that the government will provide further details and support to assist affected individuals or communities in relocating from the corridor.
“Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab in furtherance of the directives of Mr. Governor on Sunday supervised the removal of shanties on the setbacks and rights of way of Lagos Blue Rail line corridor from Orile to Iyana Iba urging those all those concerned to either move behind the road setback or relocate outright,” Adesina said in a Sunday statement.
“The Commissioner said the enforcement becomes imperative following the expiration of the one-month notice given by Mr Governor to all street traders, squatters, and occupiers of shanties and abandoned vehicles presently on the stretch of Lagos – Badagry Expressway from Orile up to Iyana-Iba,” the statement continued.
