The Lagos State Government has reiterated its dedication to finding holistic solutions to man-made problems causing inundation across the state, emphasizing an unwavering commitment to combat the perennial issue of flooding.
This reassertion of purpose was voiced by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, following an extensive inspection tour aimed at addressing critical drainage issues.
The inspection, conducted along the System I drainage channel midstream (Odo Iya Alaro) Arowojobe Estate and Mende Villa Estate, Maryland section, served as a follow-up to a previous assessment undertaken last Sunday.
Mr. Wahab elucidated that the tour aimed to reevaluate the alignments and humanize the ongoing enforcement activities along the corridor, a crucial step in mitigating flood risks.
Of particular concern was the System I drainage channel midstream (Odo Iya Alaro), stretching across Ogudu, Ojota, Ifako, Gbagada, and Maryland. Initially designed with a setback of 140 meters, Mr. Wahab noted a reduction to 100 meters to minimize collateral damage, reflecting the government’s willingness to balance enforcement with empathy.
He clarified that this adjustment involved reallocating 60 meters to the Ogudu/Maryland section and 40 meters to the Ogudu/Odo Iya Alaro section, ensuring a more practical approach to enforcement.
Established in 1974, the System I drainage channel stands as the largest and widest primary channel for deflooding significant parts of the mainland, serving communities across Ogudu, Ojota, Ifako, Gbagada, and Maryland.
Mr. Wahab underscored the imperative to address encroachments, citing structures within Mende Villa Estate obstructing the channel and disregarding mandated 15-meter setbacks, a violation compounded by the possession of classified government documents.
Highlighting flooding, noise pollution, and the unlawful obstruction of drainage channels as critical challenges adversely affecting citizens’ lives, Mr. Wahab emphasized the necessity of concerted efforts to foster a more aesthetically pleasing environment.
The team also visited the Nigeria Social Insurance building at the former Federal Secretariat Ikoyi, issuing eviction notices due to environmental hazards posed by the structure’s neglect.
Mr. Wahab reaffirmed Lagos State’s vulnerability to flash floods, urging proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of global warming and other environmental threats. Stressing the importance of a collaborative approach, he urged citizens to observe 15-meter setbacks when constructing properties to avert future crises.
Moreover, the Commissioner pledged collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Environment and the Social Development counterpart to address the plight of children living under the Dolphin Underbridge. He reiterated the government’s resolve to expand cleanup initiatives across the state, building upon successful interventions at Apogbon, Obalende, Dolphin, and Ijora Underbridges.
Accompanying Mr. Wahab were key officials including the Special Adviser on Environment, Mr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, Permanent Secretaries, and Directors from various departments, underscoring the government’s collective commitment to safeguarding Lagos State’s environmental integrity.
