Lagos govt defends flood control measures, warns against politicising rainfall crisis

Lagos State Government has defended its ongoing flood control and environmental management efforts, insisting that sustained interventions on drainage systems, wetlands and floodplains have considerably reduced the impact of heavy rainfall across the state despite the growing effects of climate change.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the remarks on Saturday while inspecting drainage infrastructure and flood-prone locations in Oniru, Chevron Drive, Agungi-Ajiran, Freedom Road and Orange Island.

Responding to criticisms that trailed recent flash floods in parts of Lagos, Wahab faulted attempts by some individuals to politicise the situation, describing such reactions as unfair to officials working tirelessly to manage the city’s environmental challenges.

According to him, the government had consistently implemented long-term measures over the past three years to tackle flooding and improve environmental sustainability across the state.

“Yes, some people are politicising the issue, but that is their choice this season. They are not giving enough credit to the team for the level of work being carried out day and night.

“Three years ago, after studying the reports before us, we began implementing solutions systematically, from improving waste management to banning styrofoam and certain plastic materials, clearing contraventions on floodplains, reclaiming wetlands and expanding drainage infrastructure,” Wahab said.

He added that some of the strategies already being implemented in Lagos are only now being considered by other African cities grappling with flooding challenges.

“If you listened to the President of Ghana’s speech after the recent flooding in Accra, many of the measures they intend to adopt are things Lagos has already been implementing for the past three years.

“That shows how Lagos has managed the situation. What we experience in many places is not large-scale overflowing floods but temporary flash floods that recede within a few hours,” he stated.

Wahab also cited improvements recorded around Chevron Drive and the Gravitas axis following the removal of structures obstructing drainage channels.

Recalling a recent enforcement operation in the area, the commissioner alleged that some land grabbers attempted to frustrate government efforts by mobilising armed security personnel against officials carrying out lawful duties.

“You were with us at Chevron Drive near Gravitas where we discovered massive encroachments by some Omonile under the guise of taking possession of land.

“Just two days later, they returned with armed policemen in an attempt to stop government officials from reopening the drainage channel leading to the lagoon. Thankfully, we were able to overcome that challenge.

“Within 72 hours, we noticed significant improvement in the discharge flow downstream, which has helped relieve flooding around Ajiran village and neighbouring communities,” he explained.

The commissioner said the inspection exercise was also designed to interact with residents, assess vulnerable areas and identify locations requiring permanent engineering solutions.

He noted that officials revisited a site where illegal land reclamation had earlier been halted because it served as a critical discharge route for floodwater from the Lekki axis into the lagoon.

“We visited the location last year to stop illegal reclamation activities. There was no Environmental Impact Assessment, no drainage approval, and yet it is a major discharge point for the entire Lekki corridor into the lagoon.

“If the government ignores such activities, that would amount to gross irresponsibility,” Wahab said.