The Lagos State Government on Thursday has apologized to residents for the disruptions caused by the heavy rainfalls on Wednesday.
In a press release signed by Kunle Adeshina, Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources on July 4th, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, reiterated during syndicated interview programs across different television channels in Lagos that the state government had implemented resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding the effects of flash flooding.
The Commissioner also expressed sympathy for a resident who reportedly lost a loved one and others who suffered property damage due to the torrential rainfall on Wednesday.
He explained that Lagos experienced about 10 hours of nonstop rainfall from the early hours of Wednesday, causing flash floods in areas like Egbeda, Iyana Oworo, Trade Fair Road, and Iyana Iba. The flash floods receded in about two hours due to the mitigation measures in place.
“I want you to know that what happened yesterday was not as a result of not preparing but because nature only took its course,” he said.
He noted that the high sea level during the rain impacted areas such as Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Lekki, where stormwater is designed to discharge into the lagoon.
Wahab advised residents in Upland areas like Agege, Alimosho, and Ikeja to remain calm, assuring them that the government had built resilient infrastructure to discharge stormwater into the Creeks and Lagoons within a few hours after the rain subsides.
He added that areas like Ogombo and the Mobil corridor of Victoria Island, which previously experienced flash floods, did not face such issues this time due to improved drainage infrastructure and government efforts.
According to him, flash floods are a global phenomenon, and the government’s role is to adapt to and live with nature.
“Anywhere in the world that experiences long hours of rainfall like we did yesterday is bound to experience flooding otherwise called ponding elsewhere,” he said.
He mentioned that the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG), created to intervene in clearing black spots, was on the ground from 4 a.m., but the high water level delayed the stormwater discharge into the lagoon and ocean.
Wahab said the ministry has intensified its drainage enforcement activities to ensure all drainage channels are clear and rights of way are restored while continuing year-round clearing and cleaning of major primary and secondary drainage channels.
“I would like to reiterate that Lagos is a coastal state, and there will always be flash floods for a few hours when it rains. We should know that the world has changed and everyone must ensure various measures to mitigate the adverse effects of global warming and other environmental issues confronting human existence.”
He emphasized the need for residents to be more responsible, citing an incident where a couple was caught discharging waste into a drainage during the rain in Surulere. The house has been sealed, and the culprits have been arrested and will be prosecuted according to the law.
He appealed to residents to stop indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainages, roads, and other unauthorized places and support government efforts by regularly clearing drainages in front of their houses to ensure the free flow of water.
He encouraged residents to become whistleblowers for the government, as the government cannot be everywhere, urging them to take ownership of all infrastructure and provide information when needed.
