By Damilola Kushimo
Although residents of Ago-Okota appreciate the efforts of the Lagos State Government in dredging the canals, the flash floods that came with the recent rains is making them jittery.
They made this known in a letter to the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat where their councillors and other stakeholders pleaded with the state government to help them desilt the drainages in Ago-Palace Way in order to prevent the persistent flood in the communities.
The letter dated Wednesday, May 27, 2020 reads in part: “Following the steady downpour of rain and its resultant flood in Ago-Okota and Apena communities, Isolo Local Council Development Areas (LCDA), which has spelt great discomfort to lives, businesses and properties, we, the councillors representing the good and loving people of Apena and Okota Wards, hereby write to your able office, calling your attention and humbly seeking for swift desilting of the drainages on the two sides of the road to ensure free-flow of water, especially when it rains, through the channels to the canal.
“We believe the reality of this will bring about great relief to thousands of residents and road users in the community as well as a sustainable stop to our fear of flood, regardless of any amount of rain.”
It was gathered that some workers from the Ministry of Environment (MOE) had earlier come to open the road divider in order to dislodge the flood but the drainage was yet to be desilted.
They copied the Commissioner for Works, Engr. (Mrs.) Aramide Adeyoye; General Manager of Public Works Corporation, Engr. Olufemi Daramola and Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Drainage and Water Resources, Engr. Joe Igbokwe. The letter was signed by the Councillors representing Apena and Okota Wards, Hon. Remy Shittu Remy and Hon. Kanayo Osondu.
According to them, the flood in the communities is caused by the blockage of drainage channels along the expressway, which needs government intervention to be desilted.
The council chairman, Hon. Shamsudeen Olaleye has also prohibited road side trading along the drainages as he commiserated with those whose properties, businesses and residences were affected by the flood.
The council leader, Hon. Remy Shittu, appreciated the member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II, Hon. (Engr.) Ganiyu Johnson for facilitating the dredging of the broad canal while appealing to residents to desist from disposing their wastes into the drainages.
