8th October, 2015
Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Lagos State Government has warned residents of the state to prepare for heavy rainfall and advised those residing in flood-prone areas to be prepared to relocate immediately they notice gradual accumulation of rising water.
The government said residents have to be alert and prepare for the consequences of flooding resulting from heavy rainfall from end of September 2015 as it would be the case in some other parts of the country.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry for the Environment, Mr. Oluwatoyin Onisarotu, said the warning had become necessary in order to sensitive the populace to ensure free-flow of storm water in the drain.
This, he said, is imperative so as to avert the report of the Nigerian Metrological Agency (NIMET) which predicted heavy rainfall for Lagos State, among others.
Onisarotu, who pointed that the rainy season is not over, appealed to Lagosians to clean and clear the drains in their frontage and environs regularly.
“People should not panic whenever it rains, as they would start to experience accumulated water on some parts of the roads and highways, depending on the intensity of the rains. We assure you that the accumulated water will recede in no time,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary stressed that flash floods that would occur during the rains would gradually be discharged in no time because of the effectiveness of the drainage channels.
According to him, residents residing along flood plains, low lying areas and other coast lines like Ajegunle, Owode-Onirin axis, Owode-Elelede, Kuramo beach, Alpha beach, Okun-mapo, Okun Ajah, Ijora-Badia, Iwaya and other low lying areas should be extremely careful and may need to vacate their residence temporarily once they notice gradual accumulation of water and move to higher grounds as the state is not ready to lose any life during the rainy period.
The Permanent Secretary implored Lagosians to be safety conscious during this period, adding that precautionary measures should be taken by avoiding going out during the rains except only when it is compulsory.
“Lagosians need to be conscious when driving, do not overspeed and ensure that your vehicles are in good condition. Do not drive through flooded areas as it might be difficult to identify its depth. Plan your journey before going out and avoid unnecessary outings.
“The State Government will continue to intensify its cleaning and maintenance programme and will not relent until the zero tolerance targets to flooding are attained. We appeal to the people of the state to join hands with the government in making the state flood-free as the administration of Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode is making frantic efforts to minimize the incidence of flooding,” he stated.