Flooding: Lagos govt decries buildings on drainage channels despite notice

The Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources has commenced an enforcement initiative aimed at reclaiming a vital drainage channel, System 1 Drainage Channel midstream in Ojota and Ogudu.

This was disclosed in a post by the commissioner, Tokunbo Wahab, via his official X handle on Monday.

He revealed that an inspection on Sunday revealed that property owners were building new structures within the designated areas.

Wahab stated that System 1, established in 1974, stands as the largest primary channel responsible for alleviating flood-related challenges in major parts of Lagos mainland, including Ogudu, Ojota, Ifako, Gbagada, and Maryland.

He added, “The state had been having discussions with property owners/residents since 2021, and the conversation ended in November 2023.

“Contravention notices have been served to owners of buildings lying within 140 metres of System 1 since 2021, but we found out that people have gone back to encroaching on the right of way and alignments.

“The property owners whose buildings fall within the approved 140 meters Right of Way of the channel had been given the option of voluntary compliance for almost three years.

“Some of the property owners continued with the construction of new buildings that surfaced in the areas now.”

Wahab also disclosed that the Ministry is set to commence major maintenance dredging at Okota, Faseun Bridge System 6E, located off Ago Palace Way.

This dredging aims to improve water flow and remove waste that accumulates under the bridge, contributing to flooding.

DAILY POST gathered that in response to flooding threats, the Lagos State Government commenced a dredging operation in the Ikorodu area, targeting the primary channel in Awobo Estate.

The initiative was a significant step towards preventing potential disasters and ensuring the safety of residents in the region.