The Lagos State Government has said hardship is not an excuse for people to occupy spaces under bridges or other public spaces.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, said this on Sunday when asked what alternatives the government had in place for persons who might cite poverty to trade or sleep under the bridges.
The state government had on Saturday begun the clean-up of shanties occupied by squatters under the Obalende Bridge in the Eti-Osa Local Government Area of the state. This was upon the expiration of a four-day ultimatum issued to the occupants last week.
While responding to questions from our correspondent in a telephone interview on Sunday, Akosile said, “That is a general question, but the living standard of the people should not be a reason why you turn public space into your home.”
“There’s a master plan for the state, don’t forget, it’s just unfortunate that people turn public space into homes. We cannot surrender the state to lawlessness and hooliganism. And, not just Obalende, but all public spaces,” he stressed.
He added, “In terms of what the government is doing to alleviate the suffering of the people, the administration of Governor Sanwo-Olu has done so much in the area of housing.
“(There is a housing scheme) for low-salary earners. Once you’re working in Lagos and you earn something, you should be able to afford some of our houses.”
The PUNCH reports that Governor Sanwo-Olu alongside his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, among other state officials, on Sunday, inspected the ongoing cleanup at Obalende under-bridge and Ijora Causeway under-bridge.
While speaking during one of the visits, the governor warned residents that the under-bridge would be transformed into recreation spaces and never for residential or trading purposes.
Sanwo-Olu said, “(The under-bridge) is not a house, we will find a way to support you elsewhere. We will not turn this place into homes. We will make it a sports ground and for other useful purposes. I heard some people are making shops, rooms and parlour here, there’s nothing like that again. No government will allow people to reside under the bridge.”
