The Lagos State Government on Tuesday issued a 21-day ultimatum for the removal of the wrecked vessels at Maiyegun and Alpha beach fronts by their owners or face legal action.
Mr Adesegun Oniru, the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, gave the ultimatum in a press statement in Lagos.
According to him, the removal is necessary in view of the current degradation being witnessed around the two beach fronts.
“The degradation and decomposition of beached vessels causes major erosion, environmental pollution and the effects of such poisonous substances in the waterways is hazardous to the water ecosystem,” Oniru stated.
He added that the situation also posed threats to human life.
The commissioner said that the abandoned vessels could encourage tidal lock, which often resulted in distortion of the current and rise in sea level.
He explained that wrecked vessels also create abnormal sea action, resulting in coastal shoreline erosion and the possibility of flooding.
“The climate change and the coming heavy rains, predicted by the Meteorological Agency this year, have prompted the government to take measures towards controlling flooding in the state.
“Government will proceed to remove the wrecks after the 21 day ultimatum of the public notice, which starts today.
“We will not hesitate to institute legal action against owners of such vessels, after the expiration of the ultimatum,’’ Oniru said.
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ??