Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the well-being of Lagos residents from the dangers of flooding by providing crucial weather advisories to various stakeholders, planners, decision-makers, and operators in key socio-economic sectors across the state.
During a workshop on Seasonal Climate Predictions and their Socio-Economic Implications held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industries in Alausa, Engr. Olalekan Shodeinde, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services, stressed the significance of disseminating these advisories to sectors such as Agriculture, Transportation, Water Resources, Health, Environment, and Construction.
Engr. Mahmood Adegbite, speaking on behalf of Shodeinde, highlighted that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Ministry had previously released the annual Seasonal Climate Predictions (SCP) to raise awareness about the socio-economic implications of the upcoming rainy season. This year, the Lagos State Government collaborated with NiMet to provide stakeholders with detailed information that would assist organisations in adequately preparing for the impact of the rainy season.
Shodeinde stated, “We assure you that our state will continue to benefit from meticulous and rigorous planning as we enhance our flood control measures to address any potential rainfall.”
Emphasizing the government’s determination, Shodeinde underscored the importance of maintaining a strong synergy with the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Authority (OORBDA) to regulate and monitor the release of water from the Oyan Dam, thereby preventing downstream flooding of the Ogun River. He urged residents to actively support the government’s efforts by regularly clearing drains in front of their homes and refraining from dumping refuse into drainage channels.
Residents were advised against indiscriminate dumping of refuse, obstructing drains with silt or construction materials, and constructing structures within drainage Right of Ways and setbacks.
Shodeinde encouraged residents to report cases of drainage blockages to the Resident Engineers stationed in all Local Government Areas and Local Government Development Areas, as well as the zero tolerance offices spread across the state.
