In efforts to address flooding in Lagos State, the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources has initiated enforcement actions to reclaim vital drainage channels.
However, property owners continue to build structures within designated areas, disregarding government notices.
Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab, tweeting as tokunbo_wahab on X.com, disclosed the ministry’s enforcement initiative.
He highlighted the importance of reclaiming the System 1 Drainage Channel midstream in Ojota and Ogudu, established in 1974 to alleviate flood-related challenges in key areas of Lagos mainland.
Wahab led an inspection tour to enforcement sites on Sunday, noting ongoing construction within the designated areas. Despite contravention notices issued since 2021 to encourage compliance, property owners persist in encroaching on the drainage channels.
“The property owners whose buildings fall within the approved 140 meters Right of Way of the channel had been given the option of voluntary compliance for almost three years,” Wahab stated. “Some continued with construction within the areas despite the notices.”
The Ministry plans to commence major maintenance dredging at Okota, Faseun Bridge System 6E, aimed at improving water flow and removing waste contributing to flooding. This action underscores the government’s commitment to flood prevention measures.
Last week, in response to flooding threats, the Lagos State government initiated a dredging operation in the Ikorodu area, focusing on the primary channel in Awobo Estate. The operation aims to mitigate potential disasters and ensure residents’ safety.
