Lagos unveils new approach to check flooding

The Lagos State Government has flagged off what it tagged “operation clear your frontage drainage” as part of the holistic approach to prevent flooding in the state this rainy season.

The campaign is coming on the heels of recent warnings by the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA, and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency NIMET that Lagos would experience heavy rains this year
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Against this backdrop, the government has enjoined Lagos residents to commence immediate clearing of drains in their frontage and surroundings in order to prevent flooding.

The Permanent Secretary, Office of Infrastructure Engr. Wasiu Olokunola who supervised the clearing of drainage channels in Ikorodu Local Government Area at the weekend, urged Lagosians to embrace the new effort as a proactive approach to frontally combat the menace of flooding in the state.

“The only way to preserve the life span of the massive road infrastructure investment of the Babatunde Raji Fashola’s administration is for residents to cultivate the habit of daily clearance of drains in their frontage, as we all know that blocked drains lead to flooding and flood is the greatest enemy of paved roads”, Engr. Olokunola said.

The Permanent Secretary decried the activities of car wash operators who discharge waste water on the roads. Such activities have been found not only to damage our roads, but also cause flooding, he said.

Mr Olokunola stated that the state government has commenced a clampdown on all these unpatriotic and illegal car wash operators and those apprehended will face the full wrath of the Law.

He urged Lagosians to join hands with the government and report these illegal car wash operators.