Removal of structures on drainage setback will address flooding, says Lagos govt
The ongoing removal of contravening structures on the System 1 drainage channel midstream (Odo Iya Alaro) Ojota and Ogudu, Lagos State, will address major flooding issues on the mainland.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stated this when he led an inspection tour to the areas to monitor demolition enforcement and ascertain the level of compliance by property owners.
According to the commissioner, System 1 drainage was established in 1974, and it is the biggest and widest primary channel that de-floods major parts of the mainland cutting across Ogudu, Ojota, Ifako, Gbagada, and Maryland. He added that the bridge coming from Odo Iya Aloro will also cut across these areas.
Wahab stressed that the government had been having discussions with property owners/residents since 2021, while the conversation ended in November 2023. Notices were also served to owners of buildings lying within 140 metres of System I since 2021.
He said: “So we have gone round system 1 platform – Odo Iya Alaro, Arowojobe, Mende, Sholuyi axis to reassess ongoing enforcement of the right of way for System I which was established in 1974, meaning it predates most houses in this corridor. The system has been maintained and sustained by the government because it is very critical to the de-flooding of the mainland as a whole.
“But, unfortunately, people have encroached on its alignment and right of way. While conversations were on, people went back to encroach on the right of way and alignments. Since 2021, we have been engaging the homeowners and residents where go, notifying them of impending enforcement without which we cannot abate flooding. Unfortunately, most of them do not also have building approvals.
“So we have explained why we are doing this. We told them it is 140m from the embankment, and this means that we are pushing forward with the right of way for the drainage. Buildings that contravene this are already being pulled down and the demolition will continue.”
Wahab admonished residents to search with relevant MDAs before buying land or building, particularly to get all necessary approvals and documentation. He also said it was important to respect the State Drainage Master Plan by getting drainage clearance from the ministry.
The team also visited Okota, Faseun Bridge System 6E, off Ago Palace Way, as the ministry will start maintenance dredging of the system to curb flooding.
The Special Adviser on Environment, Kunle Rotimi-Akodu, said the government is determined to find a realistic solution to the issue of flash flooding in the state.
According to him, the world has changed and everyone must put in place various measures to mitigate the adverse effects of global warming and other environmental issues confronting human existence.
The commissioner was also accompanied on the inspection by Permanent Secretaries Gaji Omobolaji (Environmental Services), Mahmood Adegbite (Drainage Services); heads of agencies in the Environment family, among others.