The Lagos State Government has issued a 48-hour vacation notice to squatters and owners of illegal structures along the Gbagada-Bariga drainage channel. The announcement, made by Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, via a post on social media platform X on Sunday, aims to address significant issues impacting local communities.
Wahab highlighted that the drainage channel, crucial for deflooding Bariga, Gbagada, Sholuyi downstream communities, and surrounding areas, has been severely obstructed by squatters and illegal structures. This obstruction has been a primary cause of recent flooding incidents in the region.
“The drainage channel which defloods Bariga, Gbagada, Sholuyi downstream communities and environs, and discharges into System 1 has been taken over by squatters who have constituted nuisance and security risks to the estate, and property owners who deliberately built to obstruct free flow of water in the area,” Wahab stated.
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Shanties erected along the channel have further exacerbated the situation, blocking collectors meant to carry stormwater into the channel. This blockage contributed directly to the flooding experienced during the recent heavy rainfalls.
Following the expiration of the eviction notices, the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources will begin removing these illegal structures. The aim is to restore proper drainage functionality and mitigate future flooding risks in the affected areas.
This action follows a severe 10-hour downpour last Wednesday, which wreaked havoc across Lagos and Ogun states. The rainfall led to the collapse of a two-storey building in Mushin, disrupted vehicular movement on multiple roads, and severely impacted business operations. Thousands of residents were affected, with many school pupils unable to attend classes due to impassable routes and flooded school grounds.
The Lagos State Government’s initiative shows the proactive approach to managing urban flooding and ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents amidst challenging weather conditions.
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