Lagos Govt Alerts Residents On High Rainfall

The Lagos State Government on Saturday enumerated measures it has put in place to contain the possible effects of the high rainfall predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, for 2011 urging residents to keep all flood channels clear of solid waste.

Addressing an Inter ministerial press conference at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of Drainage Services, Engineer Muhydeen Akinsanya  advised that in order to  stave off impeding flood disaster residents should desist from building structures along the drain alignments or compromising drainage structures.

Akinsanya, who spoke along side his counterparts in the ministries of Transportation, Mr. Seyi Coker, Information and Strategy, Mrs. Ranti Odutola and Environmental Services, Dr (Mrs.) Titi Anibaba, listed measures to be adopted by residents to include ensuring that wastes are properly packed and disposed through PSP waste disposal agents.

He also cautioned users of waterways to be more careful during  excessive rainfalls which could  lead to high water level, greater turbulence and changes in shoreline depth.

“Residents and property owners along the river banks and flood plains are advised to be very vigilant  and raise alarm in case of high rise in water level and ensure that they immediately vacate the water path in case of heavy flooding. They should put safety of lives before anything else,” he added.

He said  the 2011 rainfall prediction released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and analysed by the State Government in the last three months, showed that areas like Ikosi—Ketu, Mile 12, Agiliti, Thomas Laniyan Estate, Owode- Onirin – Agboyi, Owode Elede, Maidan and Isheri North scheme are susceptible to flooding.

The Permanent Secretary  advised people within those areas to move to higher grounds within the months of June to mid September and October to January “because the capacity of most canals is not likely to contain the volume of runoff expected from the rainfall.”

Akinsanya explained that many of the channels in the metropolis have been cleared while maintenance schedule is also being pursued with vigour, adding “government is confident that flooding will be effectively contained and controlled.

“However, it is pertinent to mention that the stretch of Oworonshoki –Apapa Expressway from Gbagada to Tin Can Island, which has been depressed for a long time, is yet to be rehabilitated by the Federal Government,” Engineer Akinsanya  said, warning that the challenges usually experienced by the people living in such catchment areas as Mile 2, Rainbow, Ijeshatedo, Ilasamaja, Ewu- Tuntun and Itire   during the rainy season would largely remain.

Engineer Akinsanya expressed joy that some parts of the state which had, over the years, been having running battles with flood, have overcome such nightmares as a result of the State Government’s intervention in those areas adding that in terms of key performance indicators, close to 70 percent of the state wetland has been drained and the degree of flooding reduced drastically as well as a 100 percent reduction in fatalities due to the menace.

According to him, the number of residents of the Lagos metropolis who encounter knee deep flooding in their neighbourhoods has reduced from five to two million in the last four years.

“An integral part of the effective deflooding programme of the State Government is constant drainage maintenance and constant de-silting which, like waste management and health care delivery, is a recurring decimal,” the Permanent Secretary said, adding that this informed the creation of the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) as a quick response squad to provide emergency services of flood related distress in Lagos State.

Engineer Akinsanya also said EFAG also undertakes the construction, re-construction or rehabilitation of drains, culverts, manholes including covers, inspection chambers conduit drains where necessary.

The Permanent Secretary said the abatement gang will be readily available within the state to respond appropriately to distress situation and gave some hotlines which could be contacted –Engineer A.C.K. Bade Adebowale on 08056145481, Engineer L.A. Alafia 08023151082 and Engineer K.O. Ogunsiji on 08023298197.

He gave a commitment that the State Government will not relent on the enlightenment campaigns to sensitize the public on their duties and responsibilities while efforts of government will be geared towards proper operation and maintenance of storm water related infrastructure.

The Permanent Secretary recalled that early this year, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) released a rainfall forecast which indicated that the rains will be heavier and earlier this year while its cessation was also predicted to be later than normal.

“This year’s rainfall is put at between 300-1100mm in the north and 1200-2700mm in the south with the predictions expected to have impacts on the agricultural, infrastructure, hydrological and health sectors of the economy,” he stated.

While giving an insight into what effect the early rains might have on transportation, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transportation, Mr Seyi Coker said because of the traffic congestion that usually comes with the heavy rainfall, drivers usually get fatigued because of long travel hours.

Mr Coker said because of the wetlands, usually experienced during the period, there is a need for all year maintenance of the vehicles that ply the roads especially the brake system, the lights, the wipers and the tyres to prevent fatalities.

While speaking on efforts by the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to clear pockets of refuse in some isolated areas of the State, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of Environment, Dr (Mrs.) Titi Anibaba, noted that LAWMA is positioned to always clear refuse wherever it is generated.

Dr Anibaba, however, said members of the public also need to be sensitized on the need to ensure proper disposal of waste at the designated points as this usually assist the LAWMA in carting away such refuse, adding that the patronage of illegal cartwheel operators often result in the dumping of refuse in the wrong places.

The Press Conference was also attended by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Mr. Hakeem Bello and directors from all the ministries involved in the briefing.