Lagos government clears submerged beach front

A shanty afloat at the beach

Lagos government clears submerged beach front
By Chiamaka Ikechukwu, Lagos

Clearing of debris has commenced on the Kuramo Beach Front in Lagos, after an ocean surge at the weekend killed not less than 8 persons while several others are still missing.

Following the ocean surge, the state government embarked on the demolition of illegal structures on the beach front area in Victoria Island Lagos.

“The demolition and evacuation of occupants from the recreation site was aimed at saving lives and preventing further ocean surge disaster.” The Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Mr. Adesegun Oniru said.

Sand-filling of submerged area
Mr. Oniru explained that the ministry was collaborating with some foreign construction companies to recoup sands from the ongoing construction site at the Eko Atlantic City to sand-fill some parts of the beach that was submerged.

The commissioner pleaded with residents of lowland areas to heed warnings from relevant agencies on extreme weather conditions noting that people living within the Beach area were warned days before the surge occurred.

General Manager of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Mr. Femi Oke-Osayintolu also urged residents living in or doing business at other beach fronts in the state to vacate the areas immediately because the surge might continue for the next seven days.

Mr. Oke-Osanyintolu said ocean surge occurrence was a problem in communities around beach fronts and had wreaked havoc in the past.

 “We have cordoned off the entire area and have asked residents to vacate immediately. It is a serious thing, but we are on top of the situation,’’ he said.

An ocean surge occurred at the Kuramo Beach on Saturday when residents were still asleep. Those affected were mainly people occupying illegal houses at the beach front.

Meanwhile, the Bar Beach, which is a recreation centre has witnessed a low turnout of people as compared to its recorded attendance during the last year’s Sallah celebration.

With additional report from Channels TV/Ibisaki/Yinka