The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to combating flooding through the continued upgrade and development of resilient drainage infrastructure.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, gave the assurance yesterday during an on-the-spot assessment of drainage and regeneration projects on Lagos Island, Ikoyi, and Parkview Estate.
Speaking with reporters during the inspection, Wahab expressed satisfaction with the progress of work at various project sites, including the Lagos Island Regeneration Project, the Shoreline Estate Collector Drain at Onikoyi/Banana Island Road, and the Femi Pedro Collector Drain at Parkview Estate.
He said: “We came to Lagos Island to assess the level of compliance and the pace of ongoing work by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, and LASURA on the regeneration project. We are impressed with the progress recorded so far.”
The commissioner noted that the regeneration, once completed, would provide a lasting solution to the perennial flooding challenges affecting Lagos Island and its environs.
He also inspected secondary collector drainage lining works at Gorodom Market, commending the contractors for the quality and pace of execution.
In Ikoyi, Wahab highlighted issues around Turnbull and Banana Island Road, which have experienced repeated flash flooding. He revealed that a blocked underground culvert near Shoreline off Turnbull entrance was recently discovered and remedial measures have since been implemented.
“The last heavy rainfall exposed the inadequacy of existing tertiary drains in the area. The level of development on Banana Island has overwhelmed them. One of the drains may be upgraded to a secondary collector, channeling stormwater through Mojisola Onikoyi into the Lagoon,” he explained.
The assessment tour also took the team to underbridge areas such as Idumagbo and the Third Mainland Bridge, where illegal trading activities have resurfaced despite earlier government enforcement. Wahab ordered the immediate evacuation of traders from the sites, citing safety and environmental concerns.
