The Lagos State Government says it is worried by the environmental degradation of the Government Reserved Area, Apapa.

The government explained that the development was caused by the regular influx of people from the neighbouring Ajegunle community through several unapproved points, including crossing the Badagry Road creek.

The Commissioner for the Environment, Tunji Bello, stated this during an assessment tour of the area on Thursday.

He added that residents of the Apapa GRA had complained of the continuous bombardment of their area with refuse, human wastes, illegal shanties and stalls, illegal motor parks, street trading and noise pollution.

He said, “Peace, security and health of the people living in this otherwise serene environment are being compromised daily through indiscriminate activities of people who enter the GRA through several unapproved points by crossing the Badagry Road creek.”

He said the government was obliged to listen to the concern of the Apapa GRA Resident Association and make efforts to restore the sanity of the area.

Bello added, “While we all have the right as Nigerians to carry out our business and other lawful activities in any part of the country, we must do so within the law. No one has the right to violate the peace and security of others.

“The Apapa GRA is a noble area which used to be the pride of Lagos State. We cannot fold our arms and allow some people to bring ruins to the area. We shall work with the residents’ association to restore the glory of Apapa GRA.”

The commissioner said the government was committed to its zero tolerance policy and would therefore not tolerate environmental abuses in any part of the state.

He added that the government was unwavering in its commitment to a clean, hygienic and flood- free environment and therefore urged Lagosians to desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains and unapproved sites.