LASG RALLIES DRAINAGE STAKEHOLDERS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF SECONDARY DRAINAGE MASTERPLAN

…says consultation will be cornerstone of every project/policy

The Lagos State Government on Tuesday rallied experts in the drainage sector for inputs in the development of a Secondary Drainage Master plan for selected Local Governments as part of its efforts to reduce flooding issues in the State.

Addressing participants during the stakeholders’ workshop on Lagos State Secondary Drainage master plan (Priority one) held at Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Secretariat, Alausa. the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab said the State is keen to develop an implementation strategy to reduce flooding.

Wahab, who had in his company the Special Adviser on Environment, Mr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu; Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Hon Lanre Afinni; Permanent Secretaries, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Lekan Shodeinde and Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen, emphasised that the Government and residents must collectively ensure that flood risks are managed in a sustainable, equitable and effective manner.

He reiterated that the gathering is a testament to the commitment of the present administration to always give residents input into government plans, stressing that due cognisance will be taken of all the points raised.

The Commissioner recalled that the first case of major flooding was recorded in year 2012/2013 and the Government at that time was frontal in its approach, adding that there have been improvements in the drainage system over the years.

“We will not rest on our oars, we shall continue to engage in all year-round cleaning and infrastructural development to ensure that Lagos is free of flooding”, he said.

He stated that the world was experiencing global warming which is bringing about situations where countries with the best infrastructure have in recent times been experiencing flooding.

While addressing participants, the Special Adviser on Environment, Mr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu stated that the Ministry has started the journey to find a lasting solution to the menace of flooding as such everyone’s opinion is welcomed.

He stated that the meeting would create avenues on how better synergy can be created between the State and Local Governments, ministerial departments and communities.

“If anyone in your area builds on drainages, right of way or setback, please get a video and send it to the Ministry so that the culprit can be prosecuted; I promise that such person will be compensated and the culprit sanctioned”, he said.

He said the Ministry appreciates the contribution of everyone, adding that their inputs would be reflected before the next stakeholders’ engagement.

The Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Olalekan Shodeinde noted that the first master plan was conceived in the 70s and this became the guide for interventions in the stormwater management sector, adding that water, if not managed properly, could become a menace.

He said the first master plan gave birth to another master plan in the year 2015 majorly for primary channels which are naturally existing canals that are natural waterways to channel water into the lagoon, stressing that there is a need to have a master plan for the secondary collector drains.

He highlighted that the Priority One project will cover Ikorodu, Kosofe, Eti-Osa, Shomolu and Ibeju Lekki which are believed to be the most flood-prone Local Government Areas while the Priority Two projects will cover Ajeromi, Ifelodun, Òjò, Amuwo Odofin and Alimosho Local Government.

In his presentation, the Lead Consultant from Pheman Peniel Consultant Ltd, Dr.  Emmanuel Adeyemo said that the essence of the intervention is to reduce flooding and to manage flood risk sustainably.

He said the intervention would also help the Office of Drainage Services to manage the future of drainage developmental and flood mitigation activities.

He reiterated that the masterplan is a 40-year developmental plan from 2025 to 2065 where problematic areas have been identified, especially the low-lying area conditions as well as alleviating the negative impact of flooding to minimise health issues.

Participants at the workshop include Former Permanent Secretaries, Chairmen of Local Government, Experts in the Built and Engineering sector as well as other Stakeholders in the Environment.