The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling the persistent issue of flooding by restoring drainage Right of Ways (RoWs) and building resilient infrastructure across the state.
EpeInsights reports that this commitment was emphasized by the State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, after his inspection of the ongoing 4.2-kilometer concrete lining drainage projects spanning across the Ikeja and Kosofe Local Government Areas (LGAs).
During the inspection, Wahab provided an update on the progress of the project, which was awarded in 2024 and is being executed in phases. The Sheraton to Ojota Section of the project is currently 45% complete, with the entire project expected to be finished within 24 months.
The drainage project, featuring a 25-meter trapezoidal drain, is designed to discharge water into the downstream, passing under the new bridge at the Maryland area.
Wahab expressed satisfaction with the progress, particularly considering the continuous year-round drainage and canal cleaning and dredging, which have contributed to reducing flooding during the rainy season.
Additionally, Wahab highlighted the Ogudu Sheet Piling Section as the most critical part of the project.
He urged the contractor to ensure that the necessary sheet piles are in place before installation begins.
The project will also involve the construction of new roads alongside the drainage, facilitated by the Ministry of Infrastructure.
Wahab also addressed the recurring flooding in the Maryland Mende-Arowojobe axis.
He reassured the public that the government had successfully re-established the Right of Way (RoW) for drainage systems in the area and put infrastructure in place to discharge stormwater effectively. This effort aims to eradicate flooding in the region once and for all.
In a bid to further safeguard drainage systems, Wahab took action after receiving reports of illegal building activities in Agboyi Ketu LCDA, which were encroaching upon the Adisa Balogun Channel alignment and Right of Way.
The Commissioner ordered the relevant authorities to serve abatement notices to the property owners, directing them to vacate the area immediately.
Wahab also pointed out illegal refuse dumping in the Ogudu Section (Odo Iyalaro downstream).
Notices were issued to residents who had been observed engaging in these activities, urging them to cease immediately.
Wahab stressed the potential risks posed by such actions, warning that failure to address this could lead to the creation of illegal dump sites.
Additionally, Wahab addressed the enforcement of the ban on Single-Use Plastics (SUPs).
He mentioned that the government had been conducting advocacy campaigns for 18 months and that enforcement had already begun in various markets on both the Island and Mainland. Wahab assured the public that this enforcement would continue, with plans to monitor markets throughout the state.
The government will also ramp up awareness campaigns through radio, television, and social media.
The inspection tour was led by Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, alongside key stakeholders, including Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, Special Adviser on Environment; Gaji Omobolaji, Permanent Secretary, Environmental Services; Engr. Mahamood Adegbite, Permanent Secretary, Drainage Services; Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, MD LAWMA; Major Olatunbosun Cole (Rtd), KAI Corps Marshal; Engr. Adefemi Afolabi, LASWMO GM; and other senior directors from the Ministry of Environment and its Agencies.
The team visited critical areas, including System 1 (Odo Iyalaro) from Sheraton to Ojota Section and the Ogudu Sheet Pile Section, as well as the Agboyi-Ketu (Adisa Balogun) Channel.
