Lagos Flooding: Federal Government Begins Drainage Clearing on Federal Roads
The Federal Government, under the directive of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has initiated the desilting of drainages along federal roads in Lagos State to mitigate flooding issues on the highways.
The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olukorede Kesha, revealed this in a statement released to journalists on Thursday. This directive follows a 10-hour downpour on Wednesday that severely disrupted business and commercial activities across Lagos and Ogun states.
The intense rainfall led to severe flooding, causing a two-storey building to collapse in the Mushin area of Lagos. Vehicular movement was paralyzed, residents were overwhelmed, and many pupils could not attend school due to the inundation.
Correspondents visiting affected areas, including Iyana-Oworo, Agege, Ijegun-Isheri Osun, Gbagada, and Lagos Island, reported significant flooding. Additional affected regions included Eredo, Bojije, Epe, Sangotedo, Ibeju-Lekki, Awoyaya, Labora, and Abijon.
Kesha clarified that while Lagos was not experiencing widespread submergence from floodwaters, localized flooding had impacted specific sections of federal roads.
“Contrary to some reports, Lagos is not experiencing widespread submergence from floodwaters. However, the ministry acknowledges that localized flooding has affected certain sections of federal roads within the city,” Kesha stated.
The minister’s directive aims to clear the drainages to alleviate these localized flooding issues.
Kesha added, “Our teams are currently deployed to assess the situation while the desilting of drains along the affected roads is ongoing.
The ministry understands the inconvenience caused by these flash floods and is committed to eliminating the disruptions caused thereafter.”
The Federal Government’s prompt response underscores its commitment to addressing infrastructure challenges exacerbated by extreme weather conditions, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and maintaining the functionality of crucial road networks.
