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Epidemic looms as Surulere residents fear filthy canal may overrun canteens, food market

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Residents of Olatunde Onimole, a sprawling community in Surulere area of Lagos, have warned of an impending epidemic.

Their concerns stemmed from a nearby murky canal which has posed a perennial threat to the community.

Located directly opposite Princeton College, the worried residents disclosed that the canal has been there for over 10 years and is close to several food canteens and a foodstuffs market.

FIJ reported that there had been spirited efforts in the past to bring the plight of the community to the relevant authorities with little or no success.

According to a local meat vendor seller, Mufutau Adeagbo, the traders have always done their best to ensure that the canal does not overflow.

“Those of us in this market have always been the ones taking care of the canal, and we have got rid of the dirt up to three times now,” he said. “It used to be a gutter. The water flowed down here from Adelabu area.”

The meat retailer further disclosed that local government officials often come around from time to time to examine the deplorable state of the canal.

He noted that each time a new team visits, the officials will reassure residents that the council will do something about it, all to no avail.

Another concerned resident of the community craved anonymity disclosed that the situation worsens during the rainy season.

“Although dirty canal is common in Lagos, this is not a good sight.

“During rain it gets filled up. And above all, it has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. In the evening, the mosquitoes take over the street,” he said.

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