The Lagos State government yesterday embarked on massive demolition of structures in Pen Cinema, Agege, for the planned construction of a flyover.
City News learnt that bulldozers moved in early yesterday for the commencement of the demolition of the structures amidst protests by residents and shop owners.
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has approved the construction of the flyover bridge to ease traffic congestion in the area, while the government recently interfaced with stakeholders on the planned construction works.
To pave way for the commencement of work, the government commenced demolition of structures in the area with residential and commercial structures affected.
It was learnt that some of the structures were illegal, while others were legal with the government planning to pay them compensation.
It was also learnt that government had earlier served occupants of the structures that were marked to give way quit notice, with some of them saying they were not surprised by the action.
A resident said, “Actually we were given quit notice to vacate the buildings and some of us who have valid documents are going to be compensated. We only hope the compensation will come as soon as possible”.
Many buildings, including those housing two bank branches – Zenith Bank Plc and Union Bank, as well as a popular eatery were affected as government officials, supported by armed security operatives carried out the demolition exercise.
At the time of filing this report, affected residents were still picking pieces of their properties, while the exercise worsened traffic gridlock along the Pen Cinema/Rail line axis.
