Under-Bridge Tenants: Lagos Launches Manhunt For Illegal Landlords

Lagos State government has launched a manhunt for illegal landlords who rented out the under-bridge apartments to tenants found to be living and rearing children in the place.

The state government had on Thursday discovered some apartments under the Dolphin Estate Bridge in the Ikoyi area of the state where tenants pay N250,000 annual rent in the 86 partitioned rooms with 10×10 and 12×10 sizes.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab who spoke on Friday at a ministerial press briefing to commemorate the first year of the second term in office of Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, held at Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos said the illegal landlords would be prosecuted when apprehended.

“In a renewed step to ensure safety of lives of residents, the operatives of Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI/LAGESC), in line with the provisions of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Management law renewed the enforcement of the use of pedestrian bridges.

“At the count, a total number of 1,032 persons were arrested for crossing the highway and failure to use pedestrian bridges.

“165 miscreants and squatters on the pedestrian bridges across the state were also dislodged and the bridges cleaned up. Just about 24 hours ago, the operatives carried out an operation that unearthed a major illegal housing settlement constructed under the Dolphin Bridge Ikoyi.

“An unbelievable 80 rooms partitioned 10×10 and 10×12 and a container used for different illegal activities was also discovered.

“All the structures have been dismantled and a total of 36 miscreants who lived under the bridges were arrested while efforts are being intensified to arrest the ring leaders who rented out the under-bridge apartments which also add electricity supply.

“Following my announcement of a ban of the use, sale and distribution of Styrofoam food containers on January 22, 2024, due to grave health concerns and the dangers to our ecosystem and drainage channels, the ministry through the Sanitation Services Department facilitated meetings with stakeholders concerned and followed up the three weeks’ moratorium to mop-up Styrofoam products from distributors and Lagos markets.

“After the expiration, enforcement activities were commenced by joint effort of scientific officers in the ministry, environmental health officers as well as KAI personnel in the state.

“A total of over 900 kg of Styrofoam food containers have so far been confiscated and deposited at the TLS Marini in Oshodi for destruction.

“More efforts are however being intensified on public awareness and sensitization of residents on the dangers inherent in the continued usage of the Styrofoam food containers,” he said.