In a bid to tackle the persistent flooding issues in Lagos Island, the Lagos State Government has issued a 24-hour removal notice to traders and property owners whose illegal structures are obstructing drainage channels along Ereko, Oke-Arin, and Idumota Markets.
The announcement was made on Thursday by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, during an inspection tour of the area.
The removal notice comes as part of a larger initiative to clear out squatters’ illegal activities and the construction of obstructive structures that have blocked key drainage systems.
These drainage channels, which are vital for managing stormwater, have been crucial in preventing flooding across the Idumota area and its surrounding neighborhoods.
However, Wahab revealed that squatters and some property owners have significantly hampered the free flow of water, exacerbating the flooding situation and posing a serious threat to lives and property.
Wahab highlighted that the blockage of the drainage system has been a significant contributor to the recurring flooding, which has caused widespread damage to businesses, homes, and infrastructure.
He stressed that the situation had reached a critical point where action was necessary to avoid further environmental and safety hazards.
“Squatters have taken over drainage channels, obstructing water flow and posing both security and health risks to the area. Property owners who deliberately built structures to block the channels have made matters worse,” Wahab said, condemning the illegal activities that have disrupted the flow of stormwater and increased the risk of flooding.
This marks the third time the Lagos State Government has visited Lagos Island to address the drainage blockage.
The state administration, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor D. Obafemi Hamzat, has previously awarded a regeneration project aimed at improving the drainage and road infrastructure on Lagos Island.
However, during this recent inspection, it was revealed that some critical drainage systems were not included in the original plan, prompting Wahab to take immediate action.
Wahab’s tour included an inspection of the Olusi Bombata Collector and Alagbafo drainage systems, where he expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing encroachment along the channels.
He observed that shanties were being erected along the length of the drainage, further exacerbating the problem.
The Commissioner emphasized that these illegal constructions had effectively blocked the collectors, preventing them from channeling stormwater and contributing to the flooding experienced during the rainy season.
He also announced that the government would take immediate steps to remove the obstructive structures and begin work on an updated regeneration plan that would address the drainage system’s shortcomings.
Wahab noted that several abatement notices had already been issued to the offenders, and the government was now compelled to act without delay.
Wahab reiterated that ensuring a clean and flood-free environment is a priority for Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
He emphasized that the government would continue to take decisive steps to maintain the drainage system and tackle the challenges posed by illegal structures.
Additionally, Wahab reminded traders that it is the responsibility of local authorities to provide designated spaces for market activities, advising them to use the markets properly to avoid further issues.
With the 24-hour removal notice in effect, authorities are set to move forward with clearing the blocked drainage channels and restoring the flow of stormwater, aiming to reduce flooding risks and improve the living conditions of residents and traders in Lagos Island.