Lagosians beg govt for proactive measures on imminent flooding

By Motolani AbdulGafar

Some Lagos residents now live in apprehension over the envisaged effect of the imminent  flooding in November, this year, as announced by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

The agency had warned of heavy rainfall in November which may cause flooding in some states of the federation, including Lagos.

This has raised panic among the residents whose areas are prone to flooding especially in the riverine side of the state; they are, therefore, calling on the governments both at the state and local levels to come to their rescue by

planning and setting up of an emergency response team immediately to cater for the people who will be affected or displaced by the flooding.

In September, the effect of heavy flooding was felt in some areas like Aborun in Alimosho Local Government, rending many people homeless, while two people reportedly died during the flood

It was stated that the release of Oyan Dam might also add to the flooding for those living in the areas closer to Ogun river bank.

Earlier in October, the Commissioner of Environment and Water Resource, Tunji Bello had urged Lagosians residing along the bank of Ogun river to prepare for flooding which would be caused by the opening of the  Oyan dam. He had warned that the release of the dam will worsen flooding in the state.

“The situation may also be worsened by the release of water from Oyan Dam by the managers, the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority which has increased the level of water of the lagoon,” he had also said.

For instance, the residents of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government urged government authorities over the imminent flooding of the area to be proactive.

They noted that as a council located in the riverine area, much preparation should be made to arrest the situation.

They suggested to the government to embark on evacuation of drainages to prevent blockage of water movement. They also called for immediate evacuation and relocation of people in the low land of the community.

Other solutions suggested by the residents include campaign and awareness programme to sensitize the public on the menace of the imminent flooding, immediate stoppage of all activities of water dredging both in the river, creek and also the coaster water.

They also called on political leaders and political flag bearers, irrespective of their political affiliation, as well as well-to-do people in the community to reach out to the local government and see how they can support in averting this imminent flooding.

Also, the residents of Ketu and some parts of Ikorodu are also calling for government’s assistance to avert the imminent flooding.

They want the government to put in place proactive measures ahead of the flood in November as alerted by NiMET., and urged their local governments to also prepare ahead of the menace.