Flooding: Lagos commits to enforcing drainage right of way

The Lagos State government has reiterated its commitment to enforcing the law and restoring the Right of Way of drainage channels across the state.

The State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, reaffirmed this commitment during a visit to Isheri/Aiyetoro/Ologe Primary Channel at Anuoluwapo/Oke-Odan Street Ishashi, Ojo Town; Alaba Rago Primary Channel (System 40B); and Alaba International Market Primary Channel (System 40), Ojo Local Council.

He stressed that the government is determined to restore the environment from all sorts of infractions that have altered the landscape.

The Commissioner, along with the Special Adviser on Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services, Mahamood Adegbite, heads of agencies, and some directors, mentioned that the government has awarded a contract for a restoration project in the area. The aim is to make Lagos flood-free.

“The Governor has awarded a contract for the restoration of some critical projects in this area around Ishashi Oke Odan, where we have seen people purposefully building on the channel. They have been served notices, so we have to start enforcement along with the contractor who is ready to move to the site,” he said.

Wahab explained that everyone involved has been served contravention notices, which have expired. Therefore, the enforcement of the separation of contravention will commence today (Thursday).

He stated that the law would be fully enforced because it was noticed that some people in the System 40 drainage Channel in Ojo Local Council had built on the canal path and narrowed the primary channel, which has resulted in flooding incidents in the area.

He emphasised that the government will not back down on enforcement and will ensure that a seven-metre setback on all drainage channels is restored. He also stressed that a 15-metre setback is the standard right of way to be restored at the Alaba International Market outfall.

Additionally, the House of Assembly member representing the area, Olusegun Ege, who was also present on the tour, advocated for observing less than 10 metres.

In response, Chief Nnamdi Amajioyi, the President General of Alaba International Market.