The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to constructing and upgrading resilient drainage infrastructure to mitigate the menace of flash flooding across the state.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, gave this assurance on Sunday during an extensive on-site inspection of ongoing flood control and urban regeneration projects in Lagos Island, Ikoyi, and Parkview Estate.
Speaking to journalists after the tour, Wahab stated that the regeneration project currently underway on Lagos Island, spearheaded by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources in collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and LASURA, is making commendable progress.
“We are pleased with the pace of work. Once completed, this will address long-standing flooding issues in Lagos Island and its environs,” he said.
He revealed that at Banana Island, a blocked underground culvert around the Shoreline off Turnbull entrance had exacerbated flooding in the area. “Remedial works have been carried out.
However, due to the level of development, the existing tertiary drains are overwhelmed. Government may have to upgrade one to a secondary collector for effective discharge into the Lagoon,” Wahab explained.
The Commissioner also visited Parkview Estate, where a major drainage project is ongoing. “This project, draining stormwater from Femi Pedro Avenue into the Lagoon, is expected to be completed within 90 days.
It is a major outlet for the estate, and we are satisfied with the progress,” he added.He emphasized the importance of public cooperation, particularly around maintaining clean drainages and discouraging illegal trading under bridges.
Wahab lamented the return of traders to previously cleared areas under Idumagbo and Third Mainland Bridge. “We are not against commercial activity, but it must be organized.
Trading under major infrastructure poses environmental and safety risks. If not regulated, we will close the space,” he warned.
Also speaking, a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Otunba Femi Pedro, expressed gratitude to the government for the upgraded drainage works in Parkview.
“The new collector drains are much deeper and wider. Once completed, flooding will be drastically reduced. We, as residents, will take ownership of this infrastructure,” he assured.
The inspection team included key officials such as Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu; Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite; General Manager, LASEPA, Dr. Tunde Ajayi; and other senior officials from the Ministry and its agencies
