The Lagos State Government issued an apology on Thursday 4th July to residents for the disruptions caused by the heavy rainfalls on Wednesday.
In a press release signed by Kunle Adeshina, Director of Public Affairs in the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, addressed the issue in a series of syndicated interviews across various television channels.
Mr. Wahab emphasized that the State Government had implemented resilient infrastructure capable of mitigating the effects of flash flooding. Despite these measures, the Commissioner expressed sympathy for those who suffered losses due to the torrential downpour.
Rainfall Impact and Government Response
Lagos experienced approximately 10 hours of nonstop rainfall from the early hours of Wednesday, leading to flash floods in areas like Egbeda, Iyana Oworo, Trade Fair Road, and Iyana Iba. The Commissioner explained that while these flash floods receded within two hours due to existing mitigation measures, the heavy rainfall and high sea level still caused significant disruptions.
“I want you to know that what happened yesterday was not as a result of not preparing but because nature only took its course,” Wahab stated.
In particular, areas such as Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Lekki, where stormwater is designed to discharge into the lagoon, were heavily impacted. Wahab advised residents in upland areas like Agege, Alimosho, and Ikeja to remain calm, assuring them that the government had built resilient infrastructure to manage stormwater effectively.
He noted that improved drainage infrastructure and government efforts had prevented flash floods in previously affected areas like Ogombo and the Mobil corridor of Victoria Island.
Global Phenomenon and Local Challenges
Wahab highlighted that flash floods are a global phenomenon and that the role of the government is to adapt 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 explained.
The Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) was on the ground from 4 a.m. to intervene in clearing black spots, but the high water level delayed the stormwater discharge into the lagoon and ocean.
The ministry has intensified its drainage enforcement activities to ensure all drainage channels are clear and rights of way are restored. Wahab reiterated that Lagos, as a coastal state, will always experience flash floods for a few hours when it rains. He emphasized the need for residents to take responsibility, citing an incident where a couple was caught discharging waste into a drainage during the rain in Surulere. The house was sealed, and the culprits were arrested and will be prosecuted according to the law.
Resident Responsibilities and Government Efforts
Wahab appealed to residents to stop the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainages, roads, and other unauthorized places. He urged residents to 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, providing information and taking ownership of all infrastructure.
Comparative Analysis: Lagos and Amsterdam
This reporter who has a flair for history, nature and environment reporting, after the Wednesday rains in Lagos, compared the city to Amsterdam, highlighting similarities and differences.
“Like Lagos, the Netherlands also has places largely below sea level, so with heavy downpour it’s always flooded but unlike Amsterdam where their canals have been further opened and networked to empty in the lagoon, most canals and waterways in Lagos have been occupied with buildings,” he noted.
Recently the Lagos State Government demolished some buildings obstructing the waterways around FESTAC but many didn’t come to terms with the activity the government said was to fight flooding.
Amsterdam’s canals are used for transportation and recreational purposes, while in Lagos, many canals and waterways have been obstructed by buildings.
The reporter emphasized that only a government with a strong political will can address flooding in Lagos by reclaiming all natural canals and waterways.
“For instance, there’s a channel beside TREM Church around Cement Bus Stop on Lagos-Abeokuta express, that channel is coming from somewhere far away and goes straight to Dopemu, but it becomes smaller and smaller as you trace it onward Dooemu. Elsewhere, this kind of channel is developed and used for water transportation,” he said.
‘Continuing, he said, “There is another channel at Aboru that links Ikola-Ipaja.”
“Thankfully, the Fashola administration made an underground tunnel along WEMPCO road towards IITA and that has helped flooding in that area though the depression at Mobil along Ijaiye Road, Ogba still makes that axis flooded when it rains and it is suspected that a natural channel may have been occupied along the axis,” he said.
The reporter highlighted the need for continuous maintenance and improvements to the city’s drainage infrastructure.
He however appreciates the state government for its efforts always opening blocked channels before the rains though he emphasized need for permanent structures as well as daily awareness activities to educate the residents since Lagos experiences rainfall all year round.
Lessons from the Netherlands
The Netherlands, particularly the Zuidplaspolder region, has implemented extensive flood defenses and water management strategies to prevent flooding. These measures include:
Dikes and Levees
High dikes and levees prevent water from nearby rivers and the sea from flooding the polder.
Pumping Stations
Pumping stations continuously pump water out to higher ground or directly into the sea.
Drainage Canals
An intricate network of drainage canals collects excess water and directs it to pumping stations.
Retention Basins
Retention basins temporarily store excess water during periods of heavy rainfall.
Advanced Monitoring and Management Systems
Real-time monitoring of water levels, weather forecasts, and dike conditions ensures efficient response to changing conditions.
Regular Maintenance and Upgrades
Continuous investment in the maintenance and upgrading of flood defense systems is crucial.
These measures have ensured that the Zuidplaspolder remains dry and habitable despite being significantly below sea level. The Netherlands’ proactive approach to water management serves as a model for flood-prone regions worldwide. The consistent and thorough management of flood defenses in the Netherlands has successfully prevented devastating floods in recent years.
The Lagos State government must learn from the Netherlands and develop a strong political will to address the recurring flooding issues. The leadership must recognize the economic losses and loss of lives and properties each year and implement lasting solutions.
Only through robust infrastructure improvements, strict enforcement of regulations, and active community participation can Lagos effectively manage its flood risks and ensure a safer environment for its residents.
*Feature by Dayo Emmanuel in Lagos
