Residents of the low-lying areas, specifically those on the river banks, have been advised by the Lagos State Government to relocate because of the heavy rainfall and attendant flash flooding predicted by the Nigerian Meteorology Services, NiMET, in the state.
State government officials assured residents that the government had implemented adequate measures to handle any eventuality despite the new rainfall advisory from NIMET on flash flooding.
Tunji Bello, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, said this in a statement about the preparedness for heavy rainfalls, which will resume in September and the release of water from the Oyan Dam.
Bello said, “A practical demonstration of our preparedness was the over 10 hours rainfall experienced in Lagos on July 19, which resulted in flooding that submerged some houses and vehicles, especially in Marina, but which had disappeared the next morning, which was some eight to 10 hours after.”
Bello said the state is equally prepared for the advisory by the management of Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority regarding the release of water from the Oyan Dam in September.
He identified residents of areas especially those in the river banks like Agiliti, Ajegunle, Isheri North, Owode, Iwaya, Makoko, Badia, Ijora, Isaalu, Pota, and Shibiri among others to be on the alert.
“We’re dredging and cleaning all our channels more vigorously and, at the same time, would like to remind residents in low-lying areas of the need to be prepared and aware when unusual heavy rain falls.
“All residents of the listed areas must take action to relocate to higher ground if Oyan Dam authorities release water.
When the water subsides, these people can return to their homes.
“All residents are assured that the proactive stance of the Ministry has always been “Be ready always”.
“As part of our preparations, we have always treated the nine months from March to November as peak months of rainfall, which is why we are always alert”.
It is also possible that such occurrences can result in backflows and flooding.
Luckily, as soon as the lagoon recedes, all the generated stormwater will be discharged, and our roads will not be affected by flash flooding.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services, Mr. Lekan Shodeinde, urged residents to help support government efforts by cleaning their drains regularly.
