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The Lagos State Government on Tuesday rallied experts in the engineering sector for inputs in the development of a secondary Drainage master plan in its efforts to reduce flooding issues in the State.

Addressing participants during a stakeholders workshop on Lagos State Secondary Drainage masterplan (Priority one) held at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Secretariat, Alausa. the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources Mr Tokunbo Wahab said Government intends to develop an implementation strategy to reduce flooding.

Wahab accompanied by the Special Adviser on Environment Mr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, Chairman House Committee on Environment Hon Lanre Afinni and Permanent Secretary Office of Drainage Services Engr. Lekan Shodeinde emphasized that Government and residents must collectively ensure that flood risks are managed in a sustainable, equitable and effective manner.

The Commissioner recalled that the first case of major flooding was recorded in year 2012/2013 and Government at that time was frontal in its approach adding that there has been improvements in the drainage system over the years.

“We will not restvon our oars, we shall continue to engage in all year round cleaning and infrastructural development to ensure that lagos is free of flooding” He said.

He mentioned that the world was experiencing global warming saying that even countries with the best infrastructure have in recent times been extending flooding.

While addressing participants the Special Adviser on Environment Mr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu stated that the Ministry has started the journey to find a lasting solution to the menace of flooding as such everyone’s opinion is welcomed

He stated that the meeting would create avenues on how better synergy can be created between the State and Local Governments, MDAs CDAs.

“If anyone in your area builds on drainages, right of way or set back, please get a video and send to the Ministry so that the culprit can be prosecuted; I promise that such person will be compensated and the culprit sanctioned” he said.

He said the Ministry appreciates the contribution of everyone adding that their inputs would be reflected before the next stakeholders engagement.

The Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Olalekan Shodeinde noted that the first master plan was in the 70s and this became the guide for interventions in storm water management sector adding that water if not managed properly could become a menace.

He said the first master plan gave birth to another master plan in the year 2015 majorly for primary channels which are naturally existing cannals that are natural waterways to channel water into the lagoon stressing that there is need to have a master plan for the secondary collector drains.

He highlighted that the priority one project will cover

• Ikorodu, Kosofe, Eti-osa, Shomolu and
• Ibeju Lekki while the
• priority two project will cover Ajeromi, Ifelodun , Òjò
• Amuwon Odofin and
• Alimosho. Local Government

In his presentation the consultant from Pheman Peniel Consultant Ltd, Dr. Emmanuel Adeyemo said that the essence of the intervention is to reduce flooding and to manage flood risk in a sustainable, manner.

He said the intervention would also help the office of Drainage services to manage the future of drainage developmental and flood mitigation activities.

He reiterated that the masterplan is a 40years developmental plan from 2025 to 2065 where problematic areas has been identified especially the low lying area conditions as well as

alleviate negative impact of flooding to minimize health issues.

Participants at the workshop includes Former Permanent Secretaries, Chairmen of Local Government, Experts in the built and Engineering sector as well as other Stakeholders in the Environment.

Signed

Kunle Adeshina

Director Public Affairs

MOE&WR

November 7, 2023

…Says residual water on the coastline will recede with time

The State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab Friday allayed the fears of residents along the Ogun-Osun river bank following reports of flooding experienced in these affected areas with the assurance of the State preparedness to contain any eventuality that may arise with the intensity of the flow of the run off water from upland into Lagos.

Wahab who made this remark while fielding questions from newsmen during a press briefing on the recent flooding situation along the basin of the Ogun river and lagoon coastline held on friday at the Conference room of the Ministry said it has become important that home owners within these areas relocate immediately to higher grounds.

The Commissioner who sympathized with affected residents and douse the tension noted the concerns and anxieties that many people have expressed with a guarantee that government is fully capable of managing the flooding situation and its consequences.

He stated that from the statistics issued by the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, the total amount of rainfall recorded from January to October 15 of 2023 indicates that most of the expected rainfall in the area has fallen; Likewise the volume of water released from January to October 15, 2023 is more than the average synthesized Annual Flow Volume of 1770Mcm against a Gross Storage of 2,274.0Mcm.

“For context on the severity of the issues, let me share with you the volumes of water flow through the Oyan Dam in the past few months; In July 2023, 418.9 million cubic meters of water was released; In August, that figure rose to 545.0 million cubic meters, September saw the release of 532.2 million cubic meters and as of October 15th, the flow has been averaging daily releases of 23.2 million cubic meters totaling 2,274Mcm” he said.

Wahab said the height of the Oyan Dam reservoir has significantly dropped from 3.67m on the 6th October to 1.02m on the 14th October adding that this is in addition to 203.4mm of rainfall in July, 174.9mm in August, 362.6mm of rainfall in September and 170.8mm in October 2023.

PIX : CAPTION 4868/4892/4898/4832/4842:L-R, Special Adviser on Environment, Mr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu; Commissioner for The Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab; and Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Olalekan Shodeinde, during the PRESS BRIEFING ON THE FLOODING SITUATION ALONG THE BASIN OF THE OGUN RIVER AND LAGOON COASTLINE, held on the 20th of October, 2023, at the Ministry of The Environment and Water Resources conference room, Secretariat Alausa Ikeja.

He mentioned that as at the 15th of October, the peak of the expected rainfall in the month of October has already been experienced and the inflow from the upstream is reducing gradually saying this will eventually abate all issues of flooding that may be experienced in the upstream.

He said what was being experienced in Lagos presently is as a result of the residual water in the catchment of Ogun River which will recede with time; the rise in sea level has also reduced the inflow into the lagoon.

He added that Government has been responsive to the situation with the step up of its multifaceted approach to mitigate the effects of the flooding.

He said the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) under Drainage Maintenance Department of the Ministry is working consistently on black spots and intervention of some critical tertiary drains to enable them discharge efficiently and act as retention basins.

He stated that the State Government remained committed to an all-year-round drainage maintenance, reclaiming drainage Right of Way, ensuring that the waterways are clean.

It will also ensure dredging of primary and secondary channel /collectors in the State, expansion of existing drainage channels in order to contain more storm water as well as the appointment of Resident Engineers/Drainage Maintenance Officers to oversee drainage matters in all the Local Governments/LCDA’s and report any additional unforeseen weather conditions.

“We recognize the need for better collaboration with the management of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Nigerian Meteorological Agency(NiMet), Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) to manage the release of water from the dam more effectively”

“We must also strike a balance between the needs for water management and the safety of our communities; Our State, being low-lying, is at risk of coastal flooding; we are fully aware of this vulnerability and we are working diligently to adapt well to it” he said.

The Commissioner used the opportunity to educate people about global warming which had brought about climate changes in world climate, adding that the other countries has been affected, citing New York City Germany as examples that have experienced flooding in recent times.

He appealed to residents to report cases of drainage blockages, dumping of waste into canals and other unauthorized places to Resident Engineers offices Statewide.

In his remarks the Special Adviser on Environment, Mr. Olakunle Rotimi- Akodu stated that the effort to contain flood remains the responsibility of all, while enjoining Lagosians to collaborate with the Government by cleaning the drainages in their frontages and desisting from Indiscriminate dumping of refuse in unauthorized places.

“Government has invested a lot in infrastructure planning and when you move around the state there is never a time that you would not notice the EFAG team either cleaning the drains or carting away debris on our road; we all need to continually cooperate to have a clean environment” he said.

He further urged Lagosians to report all cases of drainage blockages, dumping of waste into canals and other unauthorized places to Resident Engineers saying by so doing they are complimenting the State Government efforts so that consolidations can be made on the gains already made in the 2023 rainy season.

The Permanent Secretary Office of Drainage Services, Engr Lekan Shodeinde said the affected areas along Ogun Osun river are known to be depressed and on the natural path of the storm water adding that with the various intervention being put in place residents in the area are assured that in a matter of days the water will recede.

He said due to urbanization and human alteration the natural flow of rain water as designed by God has been changed saying if not altered some amount of rainfall should drop on green vegetation and some absorbed into the ground while about 30 percent of rain water should end up in the drains eventually.

Signed

Kunle Adeshina

Director Public Affairs

MOE&WR

October 20, 2023

The Lagos State Government, on Tuesday, declared enforcement of a zero tolerance on all forms of street trading in Ikoyi, Lekki and Victoria Island.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources Mr. Tokunbo Wahab who made this declaration, added that henceforth no form of hawking, street trading and displaying of wares on walkways and setbacks will be allowed in the listed areas.

Wahab stated that the state environmental sanitation laws will be fully applied with mobile courts ready to dispense justice to all those who run foul of the law.

A mini Estate built on the set back of a Drainage Channel at Lekki phase II- Ikota channel in Eti-OSA, Lagos State, being demolished by the Lagos State Ministry of The Environment on Wednesday, 11th of September, 2023 after the expiration of several contravention notices.

He stressed that the action was in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S. PLUS Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to promote a cleaner and greener Lagos, while ensuring total enforcement of the environmental sanitation laws and create a safer state for all.

The Commissioner while sounding a note of warning decried the prevalence of traders at bus-stops, roundabout as well as pedestrians bridges in the listed areas, defacing the aesthetics.

He mentioned that the actions of the traders and their patrons not only obstruct free flow of traffic, aid crime but also contribute to indiscriminate littering which eventually end up blocking the drainages systems.

He noted that Lagos, a megacity that is developing into a smart city, had no place for street traders who not only constitute an eyesore to the aesthetics of the city and expose themselves to hazardous situations but also constituted a threat to the security of lives and property.

“The latest enforcement drive against street traders in Ikoyi, Lekki and Victoria Island will be sustained to restore the original masterplan of the areas.

Signed
Kunle Adeshina
Director Public Affairs
October 10, 2023

… As HC ENV. Says State will not condone any illegality

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday commenced the removal of structures and shanties on setbacks of drainage channels at Lekki 2 Ikota Drainage channel, stating that it would not condone any illegality.

The demolition exercise in highbrow Lekki II areas of Mobil road and Gedegede community followed the expiration of several contravention notices served on the property owners which were ignored.

Speaking with journalists at the scene of the demolition, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab said the outright demolition underscored the seriousness of the SanwoOlu administration about law and order restoration.

Wahab who spoke through the Director Drainage Enforcement and Compliance, Engr Mahmood Adegbite said the State started serving contravention notices on the property owners since Year 2000 when all the structures were at foundation levels.

A mini Estate built on the set back of a Drainage Channel at Lekki phase II- Ikota channel in Eti-OSA, Lagos State, being demolished by the Lagos State Ministry of The Environment on Wednesday, 11th of September, 2023 after the expiration of several contravention notices.

He said they however proved recalcitrant and rebuffed all measures suggested by the state government to them to prevent flooding major parts of the community and went ahead to sand fill the setback of the channel preparatory to constructing more structures.

According to him, we cannot write the story of Lagos without the unfortunate incident of flash flooding. We are all aware that flooding is caused by natural forces as well anthropogenic factors one of which is building on flood plains and Right of way of drainages.

He added that one of the major buildings demolished today was at the foundation level in Year 2000 when the owner was informed that the building was constructed within the Drainage right of way.

He said the approved right of way is 15metres but due to the high density of the area, it was reduced to 10metres saying that the property owners in the area not only built on the right of way but obstructed the water carriage way from 15 meters to 3metres.

He said the drainage channels in question is about four kilometers and that immediately after the demolition, the government would ensure that the maintenance crew come to dredge and widen the width of the canal.

He advised all aspiring and property owners to cooperate with government and seek information before embarking on any building project in order to avert issues like this.

“Few people cannot be allowed to cause hardship to the majority. We also received petitions about these unwholesome activities that bother on impunity and we had to act decisively.

This should serve as warning to others who have done similar things at other locations, they should know that their actions have consequences at the end of the day” he said.

The demolition exercise will ensure all buildings and shanties that have narrowed the Lekki 2 Ikota draainage channel causing flooding in the area and adjoining communities.

Signed
Kunle Adeshina
Director Public Affairs
October 11, 2023

As State receives delegates on the Environment from Ekiti to understudy best practices

The Lagos State Government on Thursday pledged its readiness to partner Ekiti State on environmental sustainability as it played host to the State’s delegates from the Environment sector.

Speaking while receiving the guests led by Commissioner for the Environment in Ekiti State, Mrs Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, her counterpart in Lagos State, Tokunbo Wahab said knowledge sharing is essential to development for any state that aspires to grow.

He reiterated that whatever success might have been achieved in the environment sector in Lagos today have only been achieved through the tenacity of the leaders.

He said people are generally receptive to change, adding that the present campaign to sanitize the environment has received backlash from some people who see nothing wrong in a dirty and unorganized environment.

Wahab who listed the Agencies under the supervision of the Ministry said there is a synergy in place that has enabled a high level cooperation in achieving ministerial goals, urging Ekiti to replicate same.

He said the present administration is determined to migrate Lagos from the trajectory of a State with a dirty environment through sustained enforcement and series of advocacy campaigns to stakeholders.

“It is a reset system like a child that is used to taking milk mixed with honey and water. When you try to change the meal to ordinary water he would resist but when it is for the good of the child, you would stand your ground, and that is leadership, taking him to where he ought to be” He said.

He mentioned that enforcement is a key component that must be used to achieve set out goals bearing in mind that when Enforcement is in place some residents will embrace the idea while some will resist the change adding that when enforcement of Laws is not in place, development cannot thrive.

He encouraged the team from Ekiti to go round the Ministry and Agencies in the Environment sector of the state, rub mind with the officers on ground and tap from their wealth of experience adding that their presence is a reminder that the State’s Performance in the sector is worthy of emulation.

While welcoming the delegates, the Special Adviser on Environment Mr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu reiterated his believe that the process will be a knowledge sharing experience for the two states, noting that the possibility of Lagos learning from the challenges and successes recorded in Ekiti should not be ruled out.

He said Lagos in terms of land mass, migration and population is being confronted with a lot of challenges where lessons have been learnt and corrections made where necessary adding that the team from Ekiti should explore all the advantages embedded in this trip to gather information that will be useful when they return to their home state.

Speaking earlier, the Ekiti State delegates led by the Commissioner for Environment Mrs Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe commended the strides achieved by Lagos State in the Environment Sector saying that they are confident that whatever they are able to take away for the state will improve the sector in Ekiti State.

Part of the areas the delegates intend to learn from include Solid Waste Management, Recycling, Waste Water Management, Environmental regeneration and Conservation as well as Climate Change.

They later had a meeting with all the agencies of the Ministry, comparing notes before visiting some of the agencies

L-R; PS, Ekiti State Ministry of The Environment, Mr Babatunde Alokan; HC The Environment and Water Resources, Lagos State, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab; Ekiti State counterpart, Mrs. Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe; SA Environment, Mr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu; and PS Office of Drainage Services, Lagos State, Engr. Olalekan Shodeinde; during a courtesy visit to Ministry of The Environment and Water Resources, preceding a study tour to some Agencies of MOE&WR

Signed
Kunle Adeshina
Director (Public Affairs)
MOE &WR

5th October, 2023