Lagos State government’s initiative to address flooding in Bucknor Estate, Ejigbo through a drainage project this year, some residents said is commendable, as it has yielded some positive results. This is because the project has successfully prevented water from flooding some streets.

However, a section of the drainage around Babatunde Shogbesan Street not completed has shifted the flooding crisis to residents living within that corridor.
As a result of the non-completion of the drainage, sand dunes are now pouring back into the drainage, making it shallow, spilling rain water to homes around that area of the uncompleted section of the drainage.

During the downpour of July 3, 2024, some residents within the corridor had to vacate their homes for fear of drowning because of the volume of flood water.

Aside from completing the drainage, the residents also appealed to the government to construct a bridge across the drainage to ease movement across from Jakande Estate straight to Fasheun, Isheri and Ijegun communities.

It was observed that residents walk across the drainage with the aid of stones serving as footsteps, which might be impossible once there is heavy rainfall.
Bucknor Estate residents said if they needed to go to Jakande Estate, their best option is to always go through the canal that cost N200 or take stopover bikes/keke before getting to Jakande estate, which cost N600.

A resident, Mrs. Foluke Ojo, a nurse, lamented: “I’m tired of walking through the water to get home. It’s unhealthy. And with the predicted heavy rains in September, I’m afraid what might happen. The government should finish the drainage and build a bridge for us.” 

A landlady, Shola Adetuberu, said: “It’s heartbreaking seeing children struggle to get to school because of flood. And the lack of a bridge is making it even harder. I’m pleading with the government to build a bridge and complete the drainage so that children can have safe and easy passage.”

Mr. Ngozi Emmanuel, a tenant in one of the affected houses, said: “Water from the uncompleted drainage flooded my home the last time, destroying furniture and electronics. I’m still trying to recover from the loss.”

Akanchawa Chigozie, a retiree and resident l, said: “I’m worried about the safety of my grandchildren. They have to navigate through the flooded area to get to school, and they could get infected.”