The Lagos State Government has reassured residents that irrespective of the new rainfall advisory issued by the Nigerian Metrological Services on flooding, adequate measures are in place to contain any eventuality.
NiMET had earlier this week warned of chances of flash floods across 34 states of the federation, including Lagos, between Tuesday and Thursday.
But Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello, at a briefing on Wednesday said the capacity of primary and secondary drains in the state had been enhanced through consistent clearing to contain run-offs.
He said, “A practical demonstration of our preparedness was the over 10 hours rainfall experienced in Lagos on July 19 which resulted into flooding that submerged some houses and vehicles, especially in Marina, but disappeared the next morning, which was some eight to 10 hours after.”
Bello explained that the same level of preparedness had been put in place following the advisory by the management of Ogun Osun River Basin Authority on the release of water from the Oyan Dam in September.
“We are stepping up the dredging and cleaning of all our channels and would also use the opportunity to once again put the residents of low-lying areas to be alert to be ready to move when rain of unusual intensity falls,” Bello said.
He added that residents of areas, especially those in the river banks like Agiliti, Ajegunle, Isheri North, Owode, Iwaya, Makoko, Badia, Ijora, Isaalu, Pota and Shibiri, should be at alert.
“All residents of the listed areas must be ready to relocate to higher grounds to save their lives and properties when water is released by Oyan Dam authorities” Bello added.
