Lagos suspends approval for construction of filling stations

• Insists on relocation of Computer Village, others
• Assembly orders decongestion of Mile 2-Badagry expressway

The Lagos State Government has suspended approval for construction of filling stations in all parts of the state till further notice. The government said it had already resolved not to grant construction permit for filling stations pending the inventory of existing ones.

The state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Wasiu Anifowoshe, who disclosed this at the ongoing ministerial press briefing to commemorate the second year anniversary of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, also said that the government had not relented in the proposed relocation of Computer Village in Ikeja to ICT Park, Katangowa in Agbado/OkeOdo LCDA to tackle environmental degradation and meet the growing demand for housing stock deficit in the state.

He said: “What happened in Alimosho was because of pipeline vandalism. If people have not been greedy to vandalise pipeline, we will not be seeing what is happening.” The commissioner, who noted that the state government was also working with the Federal Government to relocate tank farms in residential areas in Apapa, also warned owners of structures under high tension cables to relocate in their best interest as government would spare no effort in removing such illegal structures, adding that event centres illegally located would also be demolished.

He said: “Government has commenced the process of relocating Okobaba Sawmill in Ebute-Metta to Timberville in Agbowa/Ikosi Ejinrin Local Council Development Area (LCDA). The relocation is at no cost to the sawmillers.

In another development, the state House of Assembly has urged the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, to put in place necessary measures to checkmate activities in Okokomaiko and Volkswagen area of Mile 2/Badagary Expressway to deter traders from clogging the axis.

This followed a motion moved by a member of the Assembly representing Ojo Constituency I, Victor Akande and seconded by Gbolahan Yishau from Eti-Osa Constituency II.
The lawmakers said if the situation was not urgently addressed, it would wreck more havoc on Lagos despite its megacity plan.

The Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, said: “This is not what we want in Lagos and it is time for us to act fast. It is important for us to urge the commissioner to, as a matter of urgency, direct the state task force and other agencies to drive these people out of the road.

“If we can bring sanity to Oshodi, I believe bringing sanity to that area would not be difficult.”