The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed concern over the prolonged neglect and alleged failure of the Lagos State government to address the deteriorating conditions of Phases 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the Anikantamo Jakande Estate on Lagos Island. In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Dr. Christopher Odianarewo, the party accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration of failing to adequately protect residents and property owners in the estates. The PDP claimed that despite over a decade of complaints over infrastructure and flooding, the government had not taken sufficient action.
According to the PDP, the Jakande estates, which were once regarded as a model of urban housing, had deteriorated significantly, leaving residents exposed to flooding and structural risks. The party alleged that some buildings in the estates had been severely affected by prolonged exposure to water and structural decay. The situation had gone beyond ordinary infrastructure challenges, with the party claiming that the drainage channel intended to discharge floodwater from Phases 1 to 4 into the lagoon had been blocked.
The blockage, attributed to activities connected with road construction, had worsened flooding in the estates, leaving homes inundated and threatening the structural integrity of buildings. The PDP called for a transparent and time-bound action plan on the proposed relocation sites, urging the government to provide concrete details on the status of the project and measures being taken to assist displaced or distressed residents. The party's statement reflects growing concerns over the government's handling of the situation.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the wife of the governor, has appealed to residents to be patient over delays in refuse evacuation across the state. During the monthly environmental sanitation exercise monitored in the Mafoluku area of Oshodi-Isolo Local Council, Sanwo-Olu assured residents that the government is working on a new waste management strategy. Her comments came in response to complaints about delays by Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators in evacuating waste and a hike in collection charges.
Sanwo-Olu urged residents to bear with the government, describing the situation as a teething problem. The governor's wife also acknowledged that PSP operators were facing operational challenges at dumpsites. Her appeal for patience reflects the government's efforts to address the waste management issues. The monthly environmental sanitation exercise is an ongoing effort to encourage public participation in maintaining a clean environment.
Lagos State Head of Service, Olabode Agoro, led the monitoring of the environmental sanitation exercise in Lagos Mainland Local Council. Agoro emphasized the importance of continuing to encourage people to participate in the exercise. The monitoring effort aimed to assess the effectiveness of the exercise and identify areas for improvement. The government's engagement with residents and stakeholders is crucial in addressing environmental challenges.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, noted that public participation in the monthly sanitation had increased significantly compared to when it started. The exercise has become an essential part of the government's environmental initiatives, with growing involvement from residents and stakeholders. The government's efforts to promote environmental awareness and cleanliness are ongoing.
Key points
- The Lagos State PDP has criticized the government over the neglect of Jakande estates and flooding.
- Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has appealed to residents to be patient over delays in refuse evacuation.
- The government is working on a new waste management strategy to address operational challenges.
