FG begins drainage clearance on federal roads

David Umahi, the Minister of Works, has ordered the clearing of drainage systems along federal roads in Lagos State to minimise inundation and guarantee the uninterrupted flow of traffic on the highways.

Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, disclosed this information in a press release issued on Thursday.

The order was issued in response to the widespread disruption of business and commercial activities on Wednesday, which was caused by a heavy 10-hour rainfall that affected multiple areas of Lagos and Ogun states

The subsequent flooding caused a two-storey building to collapse in the Mushin area of Lagos, brought road traffic to a standstill, displaced thousands of residents, and forced schools to close in affected areas, preventing pupils from attending classes.

Our correspondents, who visited some affected flooded areas such as Iyana-Oworo, Agege, Ijegun-Isheri Osun, Gbagada and Lagos Island in Lagos State, observed that roads and houses were flooded as a result of long hours of downpour.

Other flooded places in Lagos include Eredo, Bojije, Epe, Sangotedo, Ibeju-Lekki, Awoyaya, Labora, and Abijon.

But the Federal Controller of Works, Kesha, said Lagos State was not experiencing widespread submergence from floodwaters.

She, however, admitted that “localised flooding” affected certain sections of federal roads within the city, hence the need to clear the drainages.

She said, “We wish to clarify that contrary to some reports, Lagos is not experiencing widespread submergence from floodwaters.

“However, the ministry acknowledges that localised flooding has affected certain sections of federal roads within the city.

“The minister has directed the desilting of drains along federal roads in the state with a view to deflooding the highways .

“Our teams are currently deployed to assess the situation while the desilting of drains along the affected roads are currently being carried out.

“The ministry understands the inconvenience caused by these flash floods and is committed to eliminating the disruptions caused thereafter.”

Punch