By our Reporter
The Lagos State Government has appealed to residents to remain calm following the persistent rainfall and flash flooding recorded across several parts of the state over the past two weeks, announcing immediate measures to improve drainage infrastructure.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the immediate dredging and maintenance of 28 additional primary drainage channels as part of efforts to reduce flooding and enhance stormwater management across the state.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this known while addressing the recent heavy downpours that triggered flash floods in many communities.
According to Wahab, the flooding was caused by an extreme weather event that produced an unusually high volume of rainfall within a short period, overwhelming drainage systems in several areas and leading to temporary flooding in Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, Gbagada, Mushin, Mafoluku and other parts of the state.
He explained that the weather event was not peculiar to Lagos, noting that several African countries and parts of North America also experienced similar heavy rainfall and flooding during the same period.
The commissioner assured residents that the state government remains committed to mitigating flood risks through sustained investment in drainage construction, channelisation, desilting and other flood-control infrastructure.
He, however, stressed that residents also have a critical role to play in reducing the impact of flooding.
Wahab urged Lagosians to refrain from indiscriminate disposal of refuse into drains, canals and waterways, illegal reclamation of wetlands, construction on drainage alignments and other activities that obstruct the free flow of stormwater.
He warned that such practices significantly worsen flooding during periods of intense rainfall.
The commissioner also advised motorists to avoid driving through flooded roads during heavy downpours and urged residents, particularly those living in flood-prone communities, to pay close attention to weather advisories and comply with safety instructions issued daily by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and other relevant government agencies.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property through proactive flood management measures while calling for the cooperation of residents in keeping the environment clean and drainage channels free of obstructions.
