By Robert Egbe
A Lagos-based lawyer O. A Fashugba has asked the Ministry of Waterfront and Infrastructure to investigate the alleged unlawful take-over and reassignment of Miracle Beach Jetty for barge operation.
Fashugba, in an August 4, 2020 petition, alleged that the take-over was carried out by officials of the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government.
Acting on behalf of the Registered Trustees of United Sand Dealers Association (RTUSDA), within the area designated and known as Miracle Beach Zone 10 by Festac Mile 2 link bridge, Amuwo-Odofin, he said the LGA disregarded the association’s interest and rights.
He said: “It is instructive to note that prior to the concession of the portion in dispute, no official communication from the office of the Chairman of the local government was made to our client. Moreso, the citing of the operation of barge services at the miracle beach will adversely obstruct the right way of otherusers and operators along the waterways from other communities stretching towards Isolo, Ijegun, Ejigbo and Okota”.
The lawyer claimed further that, “the concerns expressed by the association are to prevent the reccurrence of a similar scenario at the Mile 2 Jetty, where an attempt to cite a barge at the jetty led to civil unrest, boat mishaps and payment of compensation to the boat owners arising from damage to their boats by the barge operators, which eventually led to to the shutting down of the barge operation at the jetty.”
But, when contacted, the Public Relations Officer in the Ministry of Waterfront and Infrastructure in Alausa, Mrs. Ileyemi, said she had not received the petition and that she was just hearing of it for the first time.
“I can only work on what I have received and there is nothing I can do or say since I have not received the said petition”.
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