The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to residents to keep off the Ogun River, near the Kara Cattle Market which was recently blocked by vegetation.
The Commissioner for Waterfront, Engr. Akinsanya said that the river could open up at any time with dire consequences. He said it was dangerous for residents to besiege the dry area as the flow of the river was still active beneath.
Mr Akinsanya advised residents to go about their lawful business and desist from parking on the bridge to take pictures as he decried that the act of parking on the bridge to take pictures is causing serious traffic, hardship and loss of business time to other commuters. He said:
“It is important to notify the public that have been worried about the environmental consequence of a dried up river to note that the flow of the river is still active beneath the vegetation and the situation is been evaluated.
“However, because of the compacted nature of the vegetation residents and onlookers are of the erroneous belief that the river has suddenly dried up and can walk across the vegetation.
“A lot of people that have turned the place to a tourist destination are unaware of the danger lying ahead. It’s important for the public to be aware that the vegetation can give away at any time and can lead to a potential disastrous situation.”
He added that carrying out any activities on the blockage of the river is unsafe, dangerous and disastrous. We advice everyone to keep off.
