Lagos reviews drainage complaints as Wahab outlines flood-control target
Wahab reported different findings across inspected sites, while the basis for his flood-control percentages remains unclear.
The Lagos State Government has reviewed complaints about drainage obstruction and property encroachment at sites in Oregun, Surulere and Ikoyi, with Environment and Water Resources Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab setting a higher flood-mitigation target.
Wahab inspected the locations on November 7, according to reports by TVC and PUNCH. He urged residents and developers to respect drainage corridors and avoid dumping waste in waterways.
Different findings at inspected sites
At the Oregun Mixed-Use Scheme, property owners alleged that automobile mechanics and other operators had occupied their land along the System One drainage alignment.
Wahab said the government would re-establish affected property boundaries. He also directed mechanics occupying the disputed land to leave, according to The Guardian’s account.
In Surulere, the ministry investigated a complaint that a Lagos State Development and Property Corporation project at Modupe Johnson Crescent was encroaching on a drainage right-of-way.
Wahab said measurements taken during the inspection showed no encroachment. He also said the culvert at the site complied with the ministry’s approved design.
At Osborne Foreshore Phase II Estate in Ikoyi, Wahab said another inspection found that the drainage structure under review did not obstruct the state’s drainage alignment.
Commissioner sets higher flood-control target
Wahab said Lagos had achieved between 75 and 80 per cent “success” in flood mitigation and was targeting between 90 and 95 per cent through infrastructure investment, year-round maintenance and enforcement.
He identified the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang and measures to reduce waste-related drainage blockages among the government’s interventions.
The reports did not explain how the percentages were calculated or what they measured.
Coastal risks remain
Wahab acknowledged that Lagos could not completely eliminate flooding, citing its coastal location and tidal conditions.
He urged residents to keep drainage channels clear, observe setbacks and report suspected encroachments.
IDNN has not independently examined the disputed land titles or technical inspection records, or obtained responses from the affected Oregun occupiers. The basis for the commissioner’s flood-mitigation percentages remains unverified.