Sanwo-Olu tasks MDAs to curb haphazard developments in waterfront communities

By Adeola Ogunrinde –

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday directed the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, the Ministry of Physical Planning, and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) to stamp out haphazard building and physical developments in waterfront communities across the state.

Sanwo-Olu gave the directive during an inspection tour of waterfront communities in Amuwo Odofin and Ojo local government areas, alongside members of the State Executive Council. He said the tour revealed enormous opportunities in the corridor, particularly for tourism development.

The governor warned that his administration would not tolerate uncontrolled physical development, stressing that the state will do all within its authority to preserve waterfront infrastructure for tourism and other sustainable uses.

As part of immediate steps, Sanwo-Olu announced that the Ministries of Waterfront Infrastructure Development and Physical Planning, along with LASBCA, would return to Ilashe and Ibeshe communities to enforce order and restore sanity. He added that his administration is committed to harnessing the tourism potential of waterfront communities in a way that benefits all stakeholders.

To support this goal, he said the government would provide the necessary infrastructure, including electricity. Officials of the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (Eko Disco) joined the tour, and an electricity substation was handed over to the company to begin energizing the communities for connectivity.

Sanwo-Olu assured residents that their interests would not be jeopardized despite plans to transform the communities into tourism hubs. He emphasized that government intervention would ensure inclusiveness and protect local livelihoods.

The governor also pledged that the state will provide essential amenities to improve the quality of life for residents, in addition to facilities that will enhance tourism.

He was accompanied on the tour by the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Mr. Dayo Alebiosu-Bush; Commissioner for Tourism, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka; the Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde; and heads of relevant agencies.