Lagos explains environment disruption in highbrow areas

Lagos State government has explained why the environment was disrupted with the removal of trees and green areas in highbrow neighbourhoods of the state, saying it was to enable the government to carry out road expansion and drainage projects so as to improve the state of road and drainage infrastructure.

The state explained further that the projects are also aimed to reduce flood risk, noting that, in achieving this, disruptions to the environment are not unexpected, which sometimes include felling of long-standing trees and clearing of some already beautified spaces.

In a statement jointly signed by the special adviser to the governor on works and infrastructure, Aramide Adeyoye, and the general manager, Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK), Adetoun Popoola, the government also appealed to the residents of the areas for understanding.

Adeyoye explained that four roads in each of Ikeja, Ikoyi, and Victoria Island, which are the major highbrow areas of the state, were selected as pilot for holistic upgrade under the State Urban Regeneration Initiative.

She recalled that construction work on the road projects, in line with international best practice, were preceded by stakeholder engagements with all the participants taken through the scope, methodology, potential impact and mitigation of the projects.

“We understand the concerns of the residents of the area and appeal that the bigger picture in terms of urban renewal and flood control in Ikoyi area is given the necessary priority,” Adeyoye said, acknowledging the support of the Victoria Island Ikoyi Residents Association (VIIRA).