Abayomi Susan
… Residents of Affected areas Hail Wahab, Say ‘This Is Government That Works’
The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to tackle flooding in vulnerable communities with the deployment of a new swamp buggy to critical drainage channels in Ogombo, Awoyaya, Ajah and Iponri areas of the state.
The latest intervention is part of the government’s ongoing desilting and channelisation programme aimed at improving drainage capacity, enhancing stormwater flow and reducing the impact of heavy rainfall across flood-prone locations.
The Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources also disclosed that additional equipment has been moved to Gbetu/Iwerekun, behind Mayfair Garden in Ajah, as part of wider measures to clear obstructed waterways and improve flood resilience.
According to the Ministry, the deployment forms part of a comprehensive flood management strategy designed to provide immediate solutions while strengthening long-term infrastructure against future flooding challenges.
A senior official of the Ministry explained that the intervention was based on careful assessment of rainfall patterns and identified pressure points across the state.
“We are not waiting for disaster to happen. Once we identified the rainfall pattern and vulnerable areas, we moved in with the necessary equipment. Ogombo Canal is a major outfall, and clearing it will have a positive impact on surrounding communities,” the official stated.
The Ministry reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to protecting lives, property and businesses, adding that more communities affected by recent flooding have been earmarked for similar interventions in the coming weeks.
The government also urged Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to intensify the clearing of tertiary drains within streets, estates and neighbourhoods.
The Ministry noted that while primary and secondary drainage channels fall under the responsibility of the state government, local councils are expected to maintain smaller drainage networks within their jurisdictions.
Residents in affected communities welcomed the arrival of the swamp buggy, describing the move as a demonstration of responsive governance.
They commended the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, Permanent Secretary (Drainage), Olakunle Adegbite, and Director of Drainage Maintenance, Engr. Jolaoso Sunbo, for what they described as timely and proactive leadership.
A resident of Awoyaya, Mr. Tajudeen Ayanwale, praised the government’s response, noting that the intervention came at a critical period when rainfall activities were increasing.
He said the early deployment of equipment had shown a significant difference compared with previous years when responses often came after severe flooding had occurred.
Similarly, Mrs. Ada Chukwuemeka, a resident of Iponri, applauded the Ministry’s efforts and urged Lagos residents to support government initiatives by maintaining clean drainage channels and avoiding indiscriminate dumping of waste.
A trader at Ogombo, identified simply as Tunde, recalled the economic losses caused by previous flooding incidents, saying the early clearing of the canal had helped improve water flow and protect businesses in the area.
A community youth leader in Awoyaya, Comrade Femi Adebayo, also expressed appreciation for the intervention, describing the deployment of the swamp buggy as evidence that residents’ concerns were receiving attention.
Residents, however, called for the programme to be sustained beyond the rainy season, stressing that regular maintenance during dry periods would prevent emergency responses during heavy rainfall.
Environmental experts have consistently identified both natural and human factors as contributors to Lagos’ flooding challenges, including intense rainfall, blocked drainage channels, indiscriminate waste disposal and construction activities around waterways.
The Ministry said public awareness campaigns and enforcement measures would continue alongside engineering interventions to address these challenges.
Officials further revealed that similar swamp buggy operations are planned for other major drainage outlets across the five IBILE divisions before the peak of the rainy season, with the aim of improving drainage efficiency in vulnerable areas.
The government maintained that while infrastructure development remains crucial, residents also have a role to play by keeping drainage channels clear and supporting environmental management efforts.
With the new equipment now deployed across key locations, authorities believe sustained collaboration between government and residents will be essential in reducing the impact of flooding and building a more resilient Lagos.
