By ADERONKE OJEDIRAN

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos on Wednesday inspected ongoing drain and channel clearance works in the Chevron-Victoria Garden City (VGC) axis of Lekki.

He assured the residents that his administration would deliver lasting solutions to flooding.

The governor toured major drainage corridors, from Okun-Ajah through Orchid Road, Sangotedo, Ogombo, Iwerekun to the Chevron-VGC Ajiran area.

He said the Intervention was aimed at restoring the natural flow of stormwater into the lagoon.

He said his administration discovered that some unauthorised developments obstructed critical waterways, worsening flooding experienced in the area following weeks of heavy rainfall.

Sanwo-Olu said excavators had begun clearing blocked channels leading to the lagoon while additional outlets were being opened to improve water discharge and reduce pressure on surrounding communities.

“Up until about two weeks ago, some unscrupulous people completely blocked this channel, causing severe flooding in Chevron, Chevy View Estate and neighbouring communities.

“That should never have happened,” he said.

He explained that two major drainage outlets linking the corridor to the lagoon would significantly ease flooding across Orchid Road, Megamound Estate, Osapa London and adjoining neighbourhoods.

“These two outlets will significantly relieve the pressure on this entire drainage corridor and provide a lasting solution for residents,” the governor said.

The governor said additional infrastructure, including bridge crossings with large drainage culverts, would be constructed to preserve uninterrupted water flow while providing access to adjoining communities.

He noted that natural waterways of Lagos had existed for decades but were being increasingly encroached upon by developments and illegal reclamation activities.

“Water must always find its natural course.

“What we are seeing today is a combination of natural causes and human activities that have restricted free flow of water,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu said the volume of rainfall recorded across Lagos in recent weeks had also contributed to the flooding, describing it as part of the effects of climate change being experienced globally.

According to him, when excessive volumes of water reach the lagoon simultaneously, temporary backflow can occur until water levels stabilise naturally.

“There is a science behind it. Once the lagoon reaches equilibrium, the water will eventually discharge into the Atlantic Ocean.

“Our responsibility is to keep the channels clear,” he said.

The governor likened blocked drainage channels to a clogged kitchen sink, saying refuse and other debris prevented stormwater from flowing freely.

He urged the residents to desist from dumping waste into drains and waterways, stressing that environmental responsibility must be shared by government and citizens.

“Government will continue to provide the infrastructure, but residents also have a responsibility to keep drainage channels free of refuse and obstructions,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu sympathised with families affected by recent flooding, saying the state government would continue to provide relief support where necessary.

He urged residents living in highly vulnerable areas to relocate temporarily to safer locations as more rainfall would still be expected.

“The rains are not over yet. I appeal to residents in flood-prone communities to move to safer and higher grounds whenever necessary while we continue these interventions.”

The governor said the state Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, working with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, would continue to give weather forecasts and issue timely advisories to residents.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to continuous inspection of drainage infrastructure and swift interventions wherever additional flood-control measures would be required. (NAN)

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