By Segun James
Following the flash flood alert issued by the Nigeria Metrological Services (NIMET), the Lagos State Government has assured residents of the state that irrespective of the advisory, adequate measures are in place to contain any eventuality.
Addressing journalists at Alausa on the state of preparedness for heavy rainfalls, which will resume in September on the release of water from the Oyan Dam, the state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello, said the capacity of primary and secondary drains have been enhanced through consistent cleaning and clearing to contain run offs.
He explained that the same level of preparedness is what the state has in store for the advisory by the management of Ogun Osun River Basin Authority on the release of water from the Oyan Dam in September.
According to Bello, “A practical demonstration of our preparedness was the over 10 hours rainfall experienced in Lagos on July 19, which resulted in flooding that submerged some houses and vehicles especially in Marina but which had disappeared the next morning, which was some eight to 10 hours after.”
He disclosed that the state would maintain the long-established synergy and partnership with Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority which has ensured steady and systematic release of water from Oyan Dam to prevent flooding of the downstream communities.
The commissioner said: “We are stepping up the dredging and cleaning of all our channels, and would also use the opportunity to put the residents of low-lying areas to be ready to move when rain of unusual intensity falls.”
Bello identified vulnerable areas, especially those at the river banks like Agiliti, Ajegunle, Isheri North, Owode, Iwaya, Makoko, Badia, Ijora, Isaalu, Pota and Shibiri, that maybe impacted.
“All residents of the listed areas must be at alert to relocate to higher grounds to save their lives and property when water is released by Oyan Dam authorities. For such people, they can always return to their abode when the water subsides.
“Let me give an assurance to all residents that the proactive stance of the ministry has always been ‘Be ready always’. We have always treated the 9 months of March to November as peak months of rainfall in our preparations. That is why we can never be caught napping,” he stressed.
The commissioner stated that one major contributory factor to possible flooding is the rise in sea level due to the costal nature of the state, saying this has always posed risks to the state anytime there is high tidal movement which may “lock up” the discharge points of the drainage channels and until it recedes, there can be no discharge.”
While appealing to residents to report cases of drainage blockages, dumping of waste into canals and other unauthorised places, Bello implored the people to continue to complement efforts of the state government through regular clearing of drains in their frontages.
He urged the public to desist from patronising cart pushers “as they are responsible for dumping waste into canals in the night after collecting money from residents for rendering services to them.”
