It is with dismay we are registering our displeasure at the rot and corruption in Lagos State Drainage Department under Ministry of Environment and Transportation. Some corrupt Officials of these two Ministries have been allocating Government Canal Setback to Mechanics and Diesel Adulterating Groups in different parts of Lagos in exchange for allocation fee and yearly charges from the Allottee.

Part of the Community affected is situated at Olasimbo street off Kudirat Abiola Way, in the heart of Ikeja is their latest Victim. the Wire mesh barricade erected to protect the community from incessant dumping of waste and refuse, open defecation, Drug Abusers, Armed Robbers and Car Vandals etc was removed by Ministry of Environment. The Community got Removal Notices from the two Ministries to remove the gate for free access but unfortunately the street has no thorough fare(it is a dead end that leads to the Canal). Funnily, other adjoining Communities that share the same setback with proper gates did not get any removal notice.

Some of the Representatives of the Association met with the Head of Drainage Unit in the person of Eng M. Adekoya. he refuted all of defenses and claims about the security benefits of the barricade. he said and quote verbatim:

" that there is nothing our Community can do about the Mechanic incursion because they have been given approval,
except we accept them and use that same barricade to control their activities"

These people were dumbfounded at the level of avarice and recklessness coming from government office. so many questions kept popping up in the minds of concerned Residents like:

1. Is it under their statutory purview of Ministry of Environment in conjunction Ministry of Transportation to allocate canal setbacks to
Mechanics in a full Residential Estate?

2. Does allocation of canal setback to mechanics that will open up the Estate to vices take precedence over the security of lives and
properties?

3. The Head of the Unit said he can only allow the barricade if only we use it to control the Mechanics and other Allottee. is this not abuse of
office by these Government Official?

4. Where were the Govenment Officials when the street was impassable? after the Community facilitated the road construction done by Hon.
James Faleke in December 2023, they allocated the set back to those that never contributed to the development of the community, is
Government suppose to be oppressive and punitive in treating tax paying Residents for taking care of the Environment?

we call on Top Government Officials to kindly wade into this matter because these Officials of these two reputable Ministries are out to cause strife among innocent Citizens of Lagos State. find attached pictures to serve as evidence.