Lagos, Ogun urge residents of low-lying areas to relocate over water release from Oyan Dam

The Lagos State government has reiterated its call for residents and property owners in low-lying areas to relocate to higher grounds following the systemic release of water from the Oyan Dam.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this appeal during a tour of flood-affected areas, assuring residents that measures are in place to manage the situation effectively.

Addressing journalists, Wahab emphasised that the ministry had undertaken extensive awareness campaigns concerning the water release over the past few weeks.
He urged residents to prioritise their safety and protect their property, noting that the government is particularly concerned about the unsanitary conditions in some areas. Practices such as open defecation into open water could lead to serious public health challenges, he warned.

“The government is mindful of the challenges residents face in these affected communities and empathises with them as taxpayers. However, we appeal to property owners and residents, especially in Ajegunle, Itowolo, and other vulnerable areas, to move to safer grounds. Life is paramount, and water will always follow its natural course,” Wahab stated.

The commissioner also revealed that the state government has commenced the construction of new drainage systems to alleviate the effects of the flooding. He assured residents of Isheri North that the government is working on a permanent solution.

Wahab highlighted the collaborative efforts of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) and the Ogun State government in dredging the Ogun River, from Ikorodu to the Isheri axis, to improve water flow and reduce flood risks.

He acknowledged that the Lagos Lagoon receives water from over 52 tributaries, contributing to frequent flooding, and thanked the Federal Government for its support in tackling the problem.

To further prevent flooding in Ikorodu and its environs, Wahab noted that the construction of a 3.7km outfall channel and secondary collectors alongGberigbe Road is underway. The project is a joint effort between the Lagos State and Federal Governments.

During the tour, the team also visited areas like Primate Oshibajo Road and Agbede Transformer in Ikorodu, where Wahab disclosed that a new drainage system had been approved to tackle the persistent erosion problems.

He added that the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure would soon commence road construction to complement the drainage work and make flooding a thing of the past.

The Special Adviser on Environment, OlakunleRotimi-Akodu, also urged Lagosians not to panic, assuring them that the state government remains committed to mapping out strategies to manage potential floods. He advised residents to stay safety-conscious and relocate where necessary.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, similarly called on residents affected by the Oyan Dam water release to relocate.
Oresanya explained that releasing excess water was necessary to prevent damage to the dam but assured residents that the floodwater would begin to recede from today.

He also noted that the Ogun and Lagos state governments, alongside the Federal Government, are working towards a long-term solution to the recurring flooding issues.