Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has ordered intensified drainage and flood control interventions across affected communities in the Lekki corridor following widespread flooding caused by recent heavy rainfall.
The governor made the directive on Wednesday during an unscheduled inspection tour of flood-ravaged areas, including Ogombo in Sangotedo, Chevron Drive and Ajiran in Eti-Osa Local Government Area, as well as Gbetu-Olorunkemi Road in Awoyaya, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area.
Accompanied by Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat, Secretary to the State Government Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, commissioners and other members of the State Executive Council, Sanwo-Olu assessed the impact of the flooding and ongoing drainage management efforts in the affected communities.
Speaking with journalists during the inspection, the governor attributed the flooding to a combination of climate change-induced heavy rainfall and human activities that obstruct natural waterways.
According to him, many of the affected communities are located along natural drainage corridors that have historically channelled stormwater into the Lagos Lagoon, but unchecked development and blocked drainage systems have significantly reduced their effectiveness.
“What we are being very intentional about is ensuring that water flows through its natural channels because Lagos is surrounded by water and several tributaries,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu noted that while the volume of rainfall recorded in Lagos over the past few weeks was unusually high, human interference had worsened the situation in several locations.
“In all of the places we visited today, there is a natural occurrence and there is also a human factor. Over the years, developments have come to meet natural bodies of water. In some places, people without approvals have restricted the flow of these waterways,” he said.
The governor disclosed that the state government would intensify dredging, excavation and drainage expansion projects to improve water flow and reduce the risk of future flooding.
“We need to come regularly to excavate and clear these channels so there will be free flow of water. Once the waterways are maintained, the water will eventually find their way into the lagoon,” he added.
Describing climate change as a major contributor to the recent flooding, Sanwo-Olu said many countries across the world were experiencing extreme weather conditions and heavier rainfall patterns.
He called on residents to support government efforts by keeping drainage channels free of refuse and complying with environmental regulations.
“We all have a role to play. The media has a responsibility to educate the public, citizens must act responsibly, and government has the responsibility to provide the necessary infrastructure. It is only when we all play our part that we can achieve better results,” he said.
The governor also sympathised with residents who suffered losses as a result of the flooding and assured them that government would assess affected communities and provide support where necessary.
Meanwhile, the Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly and member representing Eti-Osa Constituency I, Chief Noheem Adams, commended the governor for personally visiting the affected communities.
Adams said residents had been worried by the flooding experienced in areas such as Ajiran, Monastery Road, Ologolo, Alpha Beach, Ogombo and Lekki Gardens, adding that the visit demonstrated the government’s commitment to finding lasting solutions.
He urged residents to avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels and comply with environmental regulations to reduce flooding risks.
