By Adedapo Adesanya
As a massive rainfall that flooded a large portion of the state plunged residents into a state of worry, the Lagos State Government has urged residents to remain calm.
The Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, headed by the Commissioner, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, has said the government was assessing the situation and assured the public that immediate actions are being taken to mitigate the effects.
Starting late in June, the seasonal heavy rainfall has caused a substantial rise in the level of the Lagos lagoon, leading to widespread inundation as was witnessed by this reporter on Wednesday.
Business Post gathered that areas such as Egbeda, Agege, and Iyana Oworo, which connects to the Third Mainland Bridge, were affected. This led to low economic productivity and slow business activity.,
Mr Wahab emphasised that the floods in these regions will recede once the rain stops and the lagoon’s water level decreases.
He said to address the immediate threat, the state has deployed the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang to critical areas, ensuring that blockages are cleared and drainage systems are functioning optimally.
“Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to relocate to higher grounds to safeguard their lives and properties. Additionally, Wahab warned against driving through flooded areas, highlighting the dangers posed by even a foot of flowing water,” he said.
The Commissioner also encouraged the public to stay informed through daily weather reports issued by the Ministry. He reminded residents of Lagos’s unique challenges as a coastal city, where a significant portion of the land is susceptible to flooding.
“As part of ongoing efforts to prevent such occurrences, the state government has embarked on a year-long maintenance programme for its drainage systems. Residents are also urged to contribute by keeping tertiary drains in front of their properties clean and refraining from dumping refuse in them,” he noted.
Modupe Gbadeyanka