• Igbokwe threatens to pull down building

Residents of Isheri-Oshun/Jakande Estate, Lagos have faulted the contractor handling the construction of Isheri /Oshun drainage system 6E, in Oshodi/Isolo Local Council, for abandoning the project and failing to remove contraventions on the canal/drainage route.The contractor returned to the site after newsmen publication of June 15, 2022, but a week later, left the site with some buildings still blocking the route. Members of Peace Home Valley Estate Community Development Association (CDA) and Unity Estate CDA, who spoke with The Guardian on the issue, said while they appreciate Governor Babajide Sanwolu; the State House Committee on Environment and Drainage Services; the Commissioner of the Environment, Tunji Bello and the Special Adviser on Drainage and Water Resources, Joe Igbokwe, for their efforts and goodwill towards the project, they pleaded with the government to ask the contractor to return to the site and complete the project. Chairman of Peace Home Valley Estate CDA, Ikechukwu Ezeonyeka, in a letter submitted to the governor’s office, said: “We, the host and beneficiary of the project (Residents Of Peace Home Valley CDA And Unity Estate CDA), bring to your notice and complaint on the delay of removal of contraventions on the canal/drainage route due to the resident that is blocking the drainage channel route, that has been marked for removal since 2014 and recently, but resorted to unnecessary protest and court delays. “We appeal for your quick intervention for the project not to be stalled as the flood is still doing much havoc in our community, especially on Friday, July 9 and Saturday, July 10th rainfall.” One of the Community leaders, Michael Odeigah said: “We told them when they wanted to buy the land that it was on the route of water passage but they ignored us. We also consulted those selling land in the area to discourage them from buying the land, but they never listened. “All we are asking is for the contractor to return to the site. We do not think they were paid to stop the work and stopped removal of the contravention, but we are begging them to return because the estate is always flooded during downpours and residents are now abandoning their homes.” Reacting, Igbokwe said: “I know about the place. Some people don’t want to remove their houses from the route. We have been having meetings, but we are doing more action than talking. “The people should allow us to do our job, and if they don’t want to remove it, we will come there and remove the buildings because we have given them enough time to do so.”