No Tolerance for Squatting Under Bridges, Hardship Not an Excuse Say Sanwo-Olu

The Lagos State Government emphasized that hardship does not justify occupying spaces under bridges or other public areas, as stated by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, on Sunday.

Responding to inquiries about alternatives for individuals who may cite poverty as a reason for trading or sleeping under bridges, Akosile emphasized that public spaces should not be turned into homes regardless of people’s living standards.

“There’s a master plan for the state; it’s just unfortunate that people turn public space into homes. We cannot surrender the state to lawlessness and hooliganism, and this applies to all public spaces, not just Obalende,” he stressed.

Regarding efforts to alleviate people’s suffering, Akosile highlighted the government’s initiatives in housing, particularly for low-salary earners, stating that individuals employed in Lagos should be able to afford some of the government’s housing schemes.

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Governor Sanwo-Olu, accompanied by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and other state officials, inspected the ongoing cleanup at Obalende under-bridge and Ijora Causeway under-bridge on Sunday.

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During one of the visits, Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated that the under-bridge areas would be transformed into recreation spaces and would not be allowed for residential or trading purposes.

“(The under-bridge) is not a house; we will find a way to support you elsewhere. We will not turn this place into homes. We will make it a sports ground and for other useful purposes. I heard some people are making shops, rooms, and parlors here; there’s nothing like that again. No government will allow people to reside under the bridge,” Sanwo-Olu emphasized.