LAGOS GOVT INTENSIFIES CLEANING OF DRAINAGE CHANNELS/ CANALS AS RAIN APPROACHES
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…Awards Contract for Concrete Lining of System 44 – Lekki II to Ikota Channel
As part of efforts to actualise its promise to sustain a flood-free Lagos, the State Government has intensified dredging/cleaning of major drainage channels and canals across the state.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab disclosed on Sunday when he led state officials on another inspection tour to some parts of the state.
He explained that the redesigning and reconstruction of the system 44 drainage channel after the removal of structures on the setback will prevent flooding in the Lekki axis when the rains commence.
Addressing journalists after the tour, Wahab said the system 44 drainage which is about five kilometers is a major channel that cuts across Lekki Scheme II, Gedegede Community, Ikota GRA, Cluster I/Ivy Homes and Megamond Estates.
He added that the dredging and lining of the canal will ameliorate the difficulties encountered in the areas during the rainy season and also save lives and properties.
According to him, “I would like to appeal to all residents to take ownership of public infrastructure provided by the government in their communities, ensure they protect the canals and drains from refuse dumping and do away with encroaching on canals and drainage right of way”.
At a meeting with chiefs and Baales in the Lekki II area, the contractor that will work on the concrete lining was formally introduced to them, seeking their cooperation to ensure timely completion.
The Commissioner was accompanied on the tour by the Special Adviser, Environment, Mr. Kunle Rotimi-Akodu; Permanent Secretaries, Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen; Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite; MD of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin; GM of LASPARK, Mrs. Adetoun Popoola; General Manager, LASEPA, Dr. Tunde Ajayi; General Manager, LASWMO, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi and some Directors.
Earlier, the team also inspected the ongoing enforcement action for the re-establishment of drainage setbacks in PeleWura/Ladylak Collector drain, Kofo Abayomi and Aerodrome Collector drain all in Apapa.
The team also visited System 157, Orchard Road, Lekki where properties that fall within the approved metres setback of the channels were issued abatement notices before the commencement of enforcement action.
“We are cleaning up our infrastructure and making them more resilient and this will be done continuously all year round, manually and mechanically across the state”, he said.
Wahab also visited Ilabere Drainage Channel, off McPherson Road, Ikoyi where he directed immediate cleaning of the channels and serving of abatement notices to contractors who were in the habit of illegally placing their construction materials on the road thereby disrupting the free flow of traffic.
He expressed satisfaction with the recent removal of shanties on the Coastal Road, Mayegun and Jakande Area of Lekki, reminding residents that no government is out to hurt its citizens, adding that what was done in Mayegun/Jakande is being done to override public interest.
He added that during the enforcement activities, some individuals were caught parading arms and these suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authorities and will be charged to court and jailed if found guilty.
He warned all those who have erected structures on setbacks and alignments of the channels to remove them or have them removed, advising residents to desist from the illegal act and have a change of heart towards the environment.
The Commissioner also advised pedestrians to always use the pedestrian bridges and avoid endangering their lives by crossing the highways as they will face the wrath of the law when caught.
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