By Lukman Olabiyi
The Lagos State Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development has dislodged squatters and dismantled makeshifts serving as hideouts for criminals in Okunde Bluewater Scheme, Lekki.
The operation was led by the state’s Commissioner for Waterfront and Infrastructure Development, Ekundayo Alebiosu,who said that the purpose of the operation was to reclaim and secure the strategic Coastal corridor in line with the state Mega City Master Plan.
Alebiosu said:“This is not just about illegal structures, but about public safety. During operation, dangerous weapons and firearms were recovered, and arrests were made. These structures posed serious security and environmental risks.Allowing the makeshifts to remain would have been a disservice to the law abiding residents of the state .”
He emphasized that the reclaimed land is earmarked for the development of a world-class Bluewater Scheme and Coastal Road infrastructure that would boost connectivity and elevate the state’s tourism and transportation landscape.
“We cleared this large expanse of land late last year, and it is no longer business as usual. Any attempts to rebuild shanties or makeyshifts will be met with swift enforcement”.
“The ministry assures that sustained monitoring and periodic enforcement will be employed to protect the integrity of the area and all waterfront corridors and prevent any illegal resettlement.
“Our ministry remains steadfast in its mission to secure and transform all government- owned waterfronts across the state, in alignment with the vision of a clean, secure, and globally competitive Mega City.”