The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling flash flooding and reclaiming areas affected by environmental infractions across the city. This commitment was highlighted on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, during an inspection of drainage projects in Eti Osa Local Government Area. Wahab emphasized the urgency of completing these tasks to reduce the risk of flooding in affected neighborhoods.
Accompanied by key officials, including Permanent Secretaries Gaji Omobolaji and Mahamood Adegbite, Wahab toured the Orchid Road/Royal Pine Estate drainage system project. He shared that state officials had recently engaged with local residents whose properties obstructed critical drainage systems, specifically System 156, which is essential for water discharge into the Ikota River. Residents were given the option to either remove these obstructions or finance an alternative drainage solution to meet regulatory requirements.
Additionally, the team inspected System 44A in Ikota GRA, where residents have prepared a Bill of Quantity for constructing a secondary collector drain. “The residents have agreed to fund the drainage construction, with work slated to begin in January 2025, following a break in construction activities in December,” Wahab noted.
He further explained that the state’s flexibility in enforcing drainage regulations was evident in a project adjustment that reduced the original drainage length from 140 meters to 100 meters, with sections allocated to the Ogudu/Maryland and Ogudu/Odo Iyaloro areas.
Efforts to combat flash flooding are ongoing, including the work of the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang, which focuses on clearing secondary drains and manholes in all 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Areas. Additionally, Wahab announced plans to address informal settlements near Kuramo Waters, highlighting concerns about security and environmental impact. “We will serve evacuation notices to shanties near Kuramo Waters to allow us to secure the area,” Wahab said, noting the importance of registering residents to better plan for infrastructure needs like schools and healthcare facilities.
The commissioner also addressed the need for coordination with coastal road contractors to ensure that drainage outlets effectively discharge water into the Atlantic Ocean, further supporting flood mitigation efforts.
