Dr OBAFEMI HAMZAT
Lagos State deputy governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat
today warned residents to desist from dumping refuse in drainages in order to
avoid flooding.
Speaking with
in an interview with the newsmen during an inspection of some drainages across
the Lagos metropolis, the deputy governor said government would identify and
remove all obstructions to the drainage channels in the state.
He however
noted that, government would not tolerate dumping of refuse in drainages,
construction of structures or any form of human intervention on the established
drainages and flood channels in the state, adding that enforcement would be
stepped up immediately.
The deputy
governor noted that in preparedness to the coming raining season, the state
government has embarked on a drainage system tour to ensure a seamless flow of
flood.
He assured
that contractors are working on the different drainage systems across the state
to re-establish the canal lines so that there would be free flow of water
during the rains.
He added
that the canals would be cleaned up for free flow of water.
"We
have commenced drainage clearing, linking the channels together and all other
processes in order to ensure hitch free rainy season in the state.
"However,
the places that we have these flood mishaps are largely due to human
intervention either by building on them or by blocking them with refuse or
other items of such nature.
"When
nature takes its course as a result of human action, people's lives are
disturbed and it leads to anguish, but we are the cause," he said
In its
effort to curtail flooding, the deputy governor said government would ensure it
cleans up the drainages and make sure that people are convinced to take proper
responsibility of the drainages because without it, everywhere would be
flooded.
"Citizens
must be responsible for the canals by not dropping garbage into the canals, not
building structures on it as it would be removed.
Meanwhile,
the deputy governor ordered the seal up of an uncompleted building under
construction on Lawanson road, Itire during the tour.
He directed
the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABCA) to seal up the building.
The area
inspected by Dr Hamzat includes
Ilubirin, Lagos Island; Ijora Badia Channel, Doyin Moshalasi Channel at Doyi
Orile Plantain Market, System 5 Channel at Babs-Animashaun, Surulere,
Others are
System 6c Channel by Adebiyi Bridge, Itire, System 6b at Ladipo Channel,
Kushoro Igbayilola Collector Drain, System 1 by Alade Market and System 2 by Apata
Street Shomolu, Lagos.
The deputy
governor alongside the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr
Tunji Bello, Special Adviser to the Governor on Drainages and Water Resources,
Mr Joe Igbokwe and the permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services,
Engineer Lekan Shodeinde, undertook a tour of drainage Systems in the state
