The Lagos state government has attributed Tuesday’s flooding in Lekki to infractions such as illegal constructions and indiscriminate disposal of waste.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stated this in a post on his X handle, where he sympathised with residents affected by the incident.
The flood caused by the heavy downpour in the early hours of the day took over the roads, people’s houses, and stores. Vehicles were enmeshed in water, grounded human and vehicular movement for over seven hours in Victoria Island, Lekki, Ajah, and environs.
Many residents returning home from work could not get to their destinations until past 10 pm, while some others were on the road till past midnight. A lot of the affected residents who took to social media to lament the situation called on the state government to take steps to address the issue.
Reacting to residents’ complaints, Tokunbo said the state understood and deeply empathised with those affected over the discomfort and disruption caused by the flash floods witnessed in parts of the state.
He said Lagos, as a coastal city, was naturally vulnerable to flooding, especially during periods of heavy rainfall combined with tidal lock, adding “Despite this, the state government has continued to invest in drainage infrastructure, regular desilting, and enforcement of environmental laws to minimize flooding incidents and protect lives and property.
“We must also provide clarity on some of the affected areas. At Kusenla, the challenge is technical: the downstream is about 1.2 meters higher than the invert of the existing drainage, as confirmed by the survey conducted for the ongoing project awarded by the state government at the end of Kusenla road, which includes a pumping station”.
He continued “Around the House on the Rock church, the flooding was linked to infractions we highlighted earlier; illegal construction on flood plains and dumping of refuse in drains. These kinds of activities worsen flooding and must stop. We appeal for understanding and continued cooperation from the public. Keeping our environment clean, refraining from dumping refuse into drains, and avoiding construction on floodplains are vital to achieving a flood-free Lagos.
“In several of the videos shared yesterday, clear infractions were observed, and @followlasg will ensure that such illegal structures and obstructions are promptly removed. Including those illegal reclamations carried out without the requisite Environmental Impact Assessment Report and the Drainage Clearance.
“We also wish to assure residents that the flooding was a flash flood in some parts of the state and has since receded this morning. The Ministry remains committed to strengthening our flood management systems, but this effort requires the support and responsible actions of all Lagosians”.
