Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday gave verve to the quest to ensure that Lagos remains flood-free as he commissioned the second batch of 19 high-capacity drainage clearing and maintenance equipment.
Speaking at the event, which took place at the EFAG Yard in Oregun, Sanwo-Olu said never again will Lagos be branded as a flood-ravaged city, stressing that the State Government will always be a step ahead in terms of its preparations for the rainy season and its aftermath because of the nature of Lagos as a coastal city.
The Governor, represented by Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello, averred that his administration will continue to position the Office of Drainage Services to perform its statutory roles, adding the equipment will be evenly deployed to every part of Lagos.
He explained that the complaints of non-removal of silts from drains promptly have been addressed with the new tipping trucks acquired, adding that drainage tools represent the second batch of equipment to be procured while more will be purchased in due course.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Drainage and Water Resources, Engr. Joe Igbokwe, said the government is aware of its responsibility to evolve strategic methods that will improve the environment and guarantee that the State is flood free and beautiful for residents.He added that this feat can only be achieved through sustainable cleaning of all drainage channels within the State.
Also speaking at the commissioning, the Permanent Secretary Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Lekan Shodeinde, expressed confidence that the injection of a new set of equipment will improve efficiency in providing all-year-round drainage maintenance for effective and efficient flood management in the State.
The Permanent Secretary said the first batch of equipment was procured in 2019 and had since been put to use, adding that the second batch being commissioned will also be used to complement the existing fleet.
The commissioned maintenance equipment comprised of Two Loaders Black Hoe Model, One Low Loader Trailer, One Track Loader, Four Wheel Pickups, Five Tipper Trucks, Two Light Cargo Trucks, One Low Bed Horse One Crane Truck as well as Two Floodlights.