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The Ogun State government has issued a stern warning, stating that property owners who have built houses on drainage channels will be held responsible for the demolition of their structures.

In an effort to maintain the flow of water, the government had previously requested the owners of marked buildings to voluntarily remove their obstructions. Failure to comply with this request would result in the state government demolishing the structures, with the costs incurred being the sole responsibility of the house owners.

The Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, issued this warning during his visit to the Ikenne Local Government Area as part of a state government multi-sectoral team focused on flood mitigation and control.

Oresanya emphasized that the affected property owners had been given ample notices and ultimatums to take necessary action, but they have chosen not to do so, consequently placing the onus on the state government.

He further highlighted that the property owners would be required to reimburse the state government for the expenses incurred in removing their structures, in addition to facing possible legal penalties for contravening the state’s environmental laws.

The commissioner gave a directive to the affected landlords, ordering them to promptly remove their structures to avoid further sanctions. He also instructed them to manage their wastewater effectively by constructing and maintaining tertiary drains in front of their houses. Alternatively, they must demonstrate evidence of wastewater retention tanks to support the state government’s ongoing efforts in the construction and maintenance of primary and secondary trunks.

“Any property owner who fails to comply with these directives by allowing their wastewater to flow onto the roads will face penalties. We will not tolerate the destruction of roads that have been built using taxpayers’ money. The state government has made significant investments in road infrastructure, and this destructive behavior must come to an end,” added Oresanya.