The sights that greet the aftermath of Hurricanes in places like the United States were visible in the Abesan low-cost housing estate, in Mosan-Okunola Developing Council, Ipaja on Thursday.

Dejected faces of people sitting by their wares, roofs have been taken off, make-shift shops and the other illegal structures have given way even before the planned visit of the dreaded bulldozers to the area.

Over three decades after it was built, the Abesan Estate has seemingly lost most of the features that once made it attractive.

The estate, constructed by the first civilian governor of Lagos State, Lateef Jakande, is riddled with diverse issues.

One of which is illegal structures that litter the entire premises.

Abesan

Last warning

It was not surprising when a public notice was published in the newspapers in November 2016 by the Lagos Building Investment Company Plc (LBIC) asking owners of the illegal structures to get rid of them or face the law.

Almost one year down the line, rumors of the caterpillars finally coming to town has seen the people of Abesan who don't want to be caught unawares salvaging their belongings before the real deal starts.

Bounce News visited the Estate and many were seen packing their wares and some others breaking down their stalls perhaps to persuade Governor Akinwumi Ambode.

“They did not tell us the actually date they will be coming for the demolition but we are hearing they will come this weekend, that is why we decided to come and pack the things we can pack before they destroy everything” one of the hitherto shop owners in the estate said.

Ms. Folashade Folivi, is the MD of LBIC, the company that regulates the activities in Jakande Estates in Lagos state.

No sooner than she was appointed to that position less than 2 years ago, she indicated her interest in giving the people of the Estates better living conditions than what is presently being enjoyed.

To her, any building erected in the estates without a building approval is illegal and must go down.

She says she wants to follow the Master Plan of the estates so people can enjoy their property in a sane environment.

It is understood that the demolition exercise has been carried out in most of the estates and is about to be carried out in Abesan and because of the population, some people are urging the government to have a rethink.

Abesan
Effect

“Most of these shop owners are retirees who might be sent to their early graves if their means of livelihood is taken from them, after all government cares less about them.” Kayode Balogun a resident in the estate told Bounce News.

But that is not in any way about to pacify Ms. Folivi who has insisted that illegal structures must be taken down for more befitting structures to be erected.

It was gathered that a meeting was held last week between the LBIC and allottees in the Estate tried to reach an agreement but it was deadlocked and the demolition exercise will go on as planned.

Source: http://news.bounce.ng/Content/bounceexclusive-hurricane-ambode-prepares-to-hit-abesan-estate-20171020

Lalasticlala, R231