In a bid to further enhance environmental sustainability, the Kogi state government has commenced the eviction of traders and squatters residing under Ganaja flyover bridge.
The action, which was carried out by the Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management in collaboration with the enforcement team of Kogi State Sanitation and Waste Management Board, was aimed to return cleanliness to the area.
The Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Engr Joseph Oluwasegun Stephen, stated that the exercise is intended to address serious environmental abuses that illegal squatters and traders were committing.
He added that the state government would spare no effort in restoring environmental sanity across the metropolis.
“We will not tolerate such disregard for the environment and the well-being of residents. The dislodgement exercise under the Ganaja flyover is a continuation of our own wavering commitment to restoring Environmental sanity across the state,” he said.
The Commissioner added that the unlawful settlement not only pose serious health and safety risks but also significantly contributes to the littering and defacement of public spaces.
He further stated that the measure will serve as a strong warning to others who might be considering similar actions, stressing that the state government would not hesitate to take proactive steps to protect the environment an ensure the well-being of all Kogites.
“We want to firmly warn that there cannot be any form of trading or activities under this flyover, it is an important infrastructure, an asset built to ease vehicular movement and for the benefits of humanity hence we cannot sit back and allow few people destroy it.”
Earlier, the Director for Environment, Hajia Ramatu Omale said the Ministry would continue to prioritize enabling clean and healthy environment in Kogi state
She further explained that the decision to use seal tape as caution mechanism indicate restrictions to prevent encroaching activities under the flyover noting that further actions will be taken towards enforcement.
Also speaking during the dislodgement exercise, the General Manager Kogi State Sanitation and waste Management Board, Mr. Femi Ajayi said the flyover is at a strategic location in the state capital hence unlawful activities from traders as well as squatters will no longer be tolerated.
