The Lagos state government as part of its ongoing urban regeneration project, has assured the residents of the Lagos island of plans to resolve the flood crisis in the area.
This development was made known by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab while speaking to reporters after an inspection tour in Lagos Island on Friday. Wahab said the project would resolve continuous flooding in several communities.
He said, “The ongoing construction work is understandably causing some inconvenience, and we apologise for
that”.
Wahab added “But we cannot make an omelette without breaking eggs. The discomfort is temporary; the solution will be permanent.”
Lagos state government to install temporary pump station
Wahab also revealed that a temporary pumping station would be installed at the Adeniji Adele under bridge to combat the immediate effect of flooding.
He said the installation of the station will help to clear storm water from affected street to guarantee the continuation of construction work across the Island.
He also added that the project will be carried out in phases and is expected to be completed within a span two of two years.
The commissioner also ordered the demolition of illegal shanties blocking the drainage channel near King Ado High School on Ojo Giwa Street while directing the closure of buildings obstructing drainage at Idi Oluwo Street.
Wahab reaffirmed the Lagos state government’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations, which include upholding the ban on styrofoam and single-use plastics.
Recall that Lagos state was also listed among the 30 states likely the experience severe flooding during this year rainy season.
With this concern, Wahab assured residents of the state’s preparation to combat the crisis, while pointing out that preparation are in place for the Emergency Abatement Gang (EFAG) to respond throughout the year.
The commissioner was accompanied on the tour by top government officials including Special Adviser in Environment, Olakunke Rotimi-Akodu, Permanent Secreteries Gaji Tajudeen and Mahamood Adegbite.
Others include Lateef Shomide; the Managing Director of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegeshin; and other agency heads. Locations visited included Ojo Giwa, Binuyo, Aroloya, Okoya Street, Dosumu, Oroyinyin Upstream, Odi-Oluwo, and Adeniji Adele Underbridge.
