Flooding: Lagos demolishes structures in Lekki, Somolu, Gbagada

Posted by admin Lagos, State News Wednesday, September 7th, 2011

THE Lagos State government resumed the implementation of its demolition policy on Tuesday, as it knocked down about 100 structures in some areas around the metropolis, with thousands of occupants displaced.

According to the state Commissioner for Environment, Mr Tunji Bello, the exercise became necessary to solve the problem of perennial flooding in the state.

Areas that were affected included Lekki, Gbagada and Somolu, where many structures had blocked the drains, resulting into serious flooding whenever it rained.

During the tour of the affected areas, Bello, who was accompanied with the chairman of the State Taskforce on Environmental and Special Offences Unit, Mr Bayo Suleiman and Director of Public Relations, Mr Fola Adeyemi, said the primary objective of the exercise was to enable the drainage channels to properly discharge into the lagoon and to avoid a repeat of the July 10 flooding, which claimed lives and properties.

According to him, there were about 10 drainage channels currently under construction in Lekki as a preventive measure to protect life and property from the future flood disasters.

He said the removal of illegal structures on the drainage course would mitigate the impact of flooding whenever a torrential rainfall let loose.

According to him, climate had changed dramatically all over the world, adding that “we see what is happening in Thailand, United States, Canada, China and other countries. Japan has started preparing for another heavy downpour again.

“We will reduce the incident. We are going to mitigate the impact of climate change in the state. We are running a government that is sensitive, responsive and always listen to the people. We are taking the steps to create a safe and secure environment.”

-Tribune

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