Lagos state govt educates community on drainage channel

By Olushola Okewole

The Lagos State Lagos Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has enlightened Taiwo Fayemi Community Development Association (CDA), Ejigbo on drainage system in a way that would not affect the residents.

The CDA has sought government’s instruction on how to construct drainages across the community without demolishing some houses as the issue has been causing rancour between the CDA and some house owners whose houses were marked to be affected by the construction of the drainages.

It was gathered that lack of drainage system in eight streets in the community has constantly caused flooding as many houses were submerged during rainy season.

In an attempt to proffer solution to the drainage and flooding challenge before the beginning of another rainy season, the community has called on the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development for the way out.

Responding, a team from the Ministry led by Mr. Abiodun Obayomi, on inspection of the community, advised that all the drains within the community should be linked up to take water out of the streets in the area.

Obayomi urged the residents to first settle among one another and unanimously agree on how to correct the bad drainage system in the community before the government comes in, noting that many houses would be demolished if the government will have to correct the drainage.

He however said to ease the flooding issue, the community needs to link the drainages to Idimu road canal in order to avoid demolishing some houses in the community.

The Ministry has also invited the concerned house owners and the CDA to a meeting at Alausa on Tuesday February 10, 2020 by 10:00am for deliberation.

Obayomi said the meeting is necessary in order not to cause problem among the people of the community as those whose houses might be affected would not take it lightly with the community leaders, which could cause chaos in the community.

“All the concerned house owners have been served invitation letters to converge on our office for deliberation. If there is alternative it will be considered at the meeting. There is need for round table dialogue on the issue and all the affected parties will meet to discuss on the likely solutions,” he said.

The CDA chairman, Mr. Babajide Makinde said they were making effort to make sure that the age long flood issue in the community is sorted out to allow for a more conducive environment even in the rainy season.