The Lagos State Government expressed sympathy to residents for the severe flash flooding that occurred in numerous areas of the State, including Oko-Oba in Agege, and urged everyone to exercise caution and vigilance.
According to a statement from Mr. Tunji Bello, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, the over 10-hour rainfall that overflowed the Oko-Oba Canal Channel, which is currently undergoing expansion, was the cause of the flash flooding that occurred in some areas, particularly the old Oko-Oba Road.
He said: “The Oko-Oba Canal in Agege is being expanded to allow for the containment of more stormwater to reduce flooding in the area”.
In light of the inherent hazard, Bello urged drivers and residents to tread cautiously and restraint when wading through floodwaters during periods of heavy rains.
The Commissioner said that the Lagos State Government is dedicated to prompt completion of the project, noting that the expansion project was stopped due to the severity of rain within the previous few weeks.
He made it clear that Lagos’ coastline location makes flooding during a heavy rainstorm unavoidable, particularly in instances of the kind of high-intensity rainfall observed over the previous 36 hours.
Bello urged Lagosians to exercise caution since the heavy rains will continue till the end of August, even though he assured residents that the increased water level will drop into the drainage systems within a few hours after the heavy rainfall.
“All those in depressed and low-lying areas in the State at this period must be wary of the water level and ready to move to high areas during the rainfall to safeguard lives and property”, the Commissioner said.
He urged citizens to refrain from throwing trash into drains and canals in order to aid the Emergency Flood Abatement Gangs of the State in their mission.