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Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the dredging of 28 primary drainage channels following recent flooding across the state.
The state’s Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kunle Adeshina.
The approval comes after weeks of heavy rainfall triggered flooding in several parts of Lagos, including Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, Gbagada, Mushin and Mafoluku.
The Lagos State Government appealed for calm and understanding from residents affected by the flooding, assuring them that measures are being taken to improve drainage and reduce the impact of future downpours.
According to Wahab, some drainage channels across the state have been overwhelmed by the persistent heavy rains.
He noted that the recent weather conditions were not unique to Lagos, saying several other African countries had also experienced intense rainfall.
However, he explained that Lagos faces a more complex hydrological challenge due to its extensive network of lagoons, rivers, creeks, and tidal water bodies.
Wahab said that the interaction among the Atlantic Ocean, the Lagos Lagoon, and other water bodies, particularly during high tide, naturally slows the discharge of stormwater into the sea, leading to temporary flooding in low-lying areas after exceptionally heavy rainfall.
He assured residents that the government is closely monitoring drainage infrastructure and flood-prone locations across the state.
“The Lagos State Government remains fully on top of the situation through continuous monitoring of drainage infrastructure, flood-prone locations and other critical water channels,” Wahab added.
