The Lagos State government on Tuesday called for calm and understanding from residents following the massive flash flooding experienced in many parts of the state over the last two weeks, with the Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu approving the immediate dredging maintenance of 28 additional primary channels across the state.
Speaking against the backdrop of the heavy downpours which caused flash flooding in many communities, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said the rainfalls were an extreme weather event that produced an unusually high volume of water within a short period, overwhelming drainage channels in some locations and resulting in temporary flooding across parts of Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, Gbagada, Mushin, Mafoluku and several other areas.
According to the Commissioner, the incident was not peculiar to Lagos, as a similar heavy rainfalls also affected other African countries on the same day, even in North America resulting in flooding across some cities.
He noted that while Lagos and the cities had coastal and hydraulic characteristics, Lagos presented a much more complex hydrological system due to its extensive network of lagoons, tidal water bodies, rivers and creeks, as well as significantly higher rainfall intensity.
He explained that the interaction between the Atlantic Ocean, Lagos Lagoon and numerous rivers and creeks, particularly during periods of high tide, naturally slowed the discharge of storm water into the sea, resulting in temporary inundation in some low-lying areas whenever exceptionally heavy rainfall occurred.
Wahab assured residents that the Lagos State government remained fully on top of the situation through continuous monitoring of drainage infrastructure, flood-prone locations and other critical water channels, adding that emergency response agencies had remained on the ground to ensure that floodwaters receded as quickly as weather conditions permitted while providing support where necessary.
The commissioner stressed that while the state government continued to invest significantly in drainage construction, channelisation, desilting and other flood control infrastructure, residents also had an important role to play in reducing the impact of flooding.
He urged residents to desist 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 storm water, noting that such actions worsened flooding during periods of intense rainfall.
Wahab stated that the effects of climate change were becoming increasingly evident across the world, with coastal cities experiencing more frequent and intense rainfall events.
“Lagos is not exempted from these realities. However, the state government remains steadfast in its commitment to building a flood-resilient city through sustained infrastructure development, environmental enforcement and active collaboration with residents,” he said.
He reiterated that protecting Lagos from the impacts of flooding is a shared responsibility and called on all residents to support government efforts by keeping drainage channels free of waste and reporting any activity capable of obstructing the free flow of storm water.
He also advised motorists to avoid driving through flooded roads during heavy downpours and appealed to residents, particularly those in flood-prone areas, to heed weather advisories and comply with safety instructions issued by relevant government agencies and which the ministry issues on a daily basis.
He thereafter reaffirmed Lagos State government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property through proactive flood management measures while urging residents to continue to cooperate with government in building a cleaner, safer and more resilient Lagos.
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