The Lagos State Government says the ongoing clearing and dredging of all Drainage channels across the state would continue till September.
Speaking with newsmen during an inspection tour on Tuesday 19 May, 2020, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tunji Bello stated that the cleaning have been designed to ensure that water flows through all the Drainage channels unhindered all year round.
Mr. Tunji Bello who was accompanied by Special Adviser on Drainage and Water Resources, Mr Joe Igbokwe and Permanent Secretary, Drainage, Engineer Olalekan Shodeinde and other senior officials reiterated that the present administration is committed to proffer a lasting solution to the issue of flooding across the state.
He noted that special attention is being paid to heavily clogged up and drains through out the state which has aided flooding of such areas.
He explained that the tour became necessary so as to ascertain the true state of canals, drains and canals
and resolve every problem identified while listening to the residents.
Some of the areas visited include: Yaya Abatan Drainage channel by Ajobo street, Iju Road collector drain/Alamutu collector (Fagba-Gudugba), Ajuwon River by Iju/Ajuwon bridge, Ilo River Upstream (by Toll Gate, Ifako Ijaiye).
Others are Pipeline collector Drain Idimu, Irepodun collector Drain Idimu, IPI/Ikotun Channel by Ikotun, Abeokuta Anjorin Channel/ Egbe Stream by Egbe Bridge, Guiness Idi Mangoro collector drain Agege and Oko-Oba Channel.
He directed that the Iju Road collector drain/Alamutu collector (Fagba-Gudugba) should be revisited with extra dredging, directing all illegal structures constructed on the alignment be removed.
He explained that the on going clearing of Ajuwon River, by Iju/Ajuwon bridge is necessary so as to link up with Yaya Abatan Drainage channel by Ajobo street for free flow of water, adding that the saw mill erected on the canal would have to give way.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser on the Drainage Services, Engr Joe Igbokwe said resident engineers from the ministry will always be around to work with the CDAs to ensure adequate monitoring after the completion of the clearing and cleaning exercise.
The Permanent Secretary, Drainage services who also spoke, called on all residents whose buildings were on government drainage alignment to be prepared to vacate such buildings as government willnot relent in it’s effort to ensure a flood free Lagos.
The Chairman, of Ilo Awela Community Development Association in Ifako Ijaiye Local Government, Mr.Emmanuel Ajayi expressed great appreciation to the government for the clearing of Ilo River Upstream (by Toll Gate, Ifako Ijaiye) adding that residents already have a committee in place to monitor the drainsagainst refuse dumping.
He said ever since the project commenced, flooding challenges residents usually experienced in the past has reduced drastically and loss of lives and property is now a thing of the past in the community.
Modupe Arotolu
