Ogun State Government has begun a massive demolition of shanties and makeshift structures at the Sango Tollgate border with Lagos State to reduce road crashes along the Abeokuta-Lagos Expressway.

The state recently banned street trading and the display of wares at the tollgate border area to reduce road crashes in the area.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Dr Kafayat Lawal, who led the exercise, stated that the ministry initiated the demolition to save lives due to reports of frequent road crashes at the tollgate.

Lawal said that traders had received several evacuation notices before the government carried out the exercise.

She emphasised that an alternative place had been provided for them on Plaza Road in Sango.

The permanent secretary explained that the aim of the demolition was to clear Sango Tollgate and the Underbridge of street trading to ensure the safety of residents and avoid untimely deaths caused by road crashes, which continues to be a source of worry for the government.

“The state government will not stand by and allow street trading in the tollgate area, which has led to unnecessary loss of lives and permanent disability due to its dangers,” the permanent secretary said.

Lawal, however, advised traders to move to the alternative place provided by the state government and Ado-Odo/Ota Local Council, warning that anyone caught trading at the tollgate or under the bridge would be dealt with. (Guardian)