As part of its efforts to realize its promise to ensure a flood-free Lagos, the Lagos State Government on Sunday said it has intensified the cleaning of key drainage canals.
This was announced by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a statement to X handle.
Mr. Wahab led other state officials in continuing the inspection tour to some parts of the state. He explained that redesign and reconstruction of the 44 drainage canal system after removal of structures on the setback would prevent flooding in the Lekki axis when the rains begin.
Mr Wahab said the approximately five kilometer long System 44 drainage was an important channel that cut through the Lekki – Scheme II, Gedegede Community, Ikota GRA, Cluster 1 Ivy Homes and Megamond estates.
He added that dredging and lining the canal would ease the difficulties faced by these areas during the rainy season.
At a meeting with chiefs and baales in Lekki 2 area, Wahab introduced the contractor who would work on the concrete lining and sought their cooperation to ensure timely completion.
Earlier, the team also inspected the ongoing enforcement operations to restore drainage residues in the Pele Wura/Ladylak Collector Drain, Kofo Abayomi Collector Drain and Aerodrome Collector Drain, all in Apapa.
The team also visited System 157, Orchard Road, Lekki, where abatement notices were issued to properties lying within the approved meter distance of the canals before enforcement action commenced.
The commissioner also visited Ilabere Drainage Channel on McPherson Road, Ikoyi. He ordered immediate cleaning of the canals and delivery of abatement notices to a contractor who placed construction materials on the road, disrupting the free flow of traffic.
He expressed satisfaction with the recent removal of shanties in Coastal Road, Mayegun and Jakande areas of Lekki. He reminded residents that no government seeks to harm its citizens, adding that the actions in Mayegun-Jakande overrode the public interest.
He added that during the enforcement operations, some people were caught displaying weapons. These suspects have been handed over to the relevant authorities and will be tried and, if found guilty, imprisoned.
He warned those who have erected structures on setbacks and alignments of canals to remove them. He also recommended residents to desist from the illegal act and change their mind towards the environment.
He advised pedestrians to always use the footbridges and not to put their lives in danger while crossing the highways as they would face the wrath of the law if caught.
(IN)
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