Following the current flooding in Lagos State, administration of governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has issued a 48-hour eviction notice to squatters and owners of illegal structures along the Gbagada-Bariga drainage channel.
Mr Tokunbo Wahab, the state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources disclosed this on Sunday.
He highlighted that the activities of squatters and unauthorized property owners had obstructed drainage channels, leading to the recent flooding.
“The Lagos State government gives property owners who built illegal structures and squatters along Gbagada-Bariga Channel a 48-hour vacation notice,” Wahab stated.
Tokunbo noted that the drainage channel, crucial for deflooding Bariga, Gbagada, Sholuyi, and surrounding communities, had been encroached upon by squatters and illegal constructions.
These obstructions he added, had blocked the collectors designed to carry stormwater, causing the significant flooding experienced during the week.
Wahab further indicated that once the notice period expires, the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources would commence the removal of illegal structures to mitigate future flooding risks.
The heavy downpour on Wednesday lasted about 10 hours, impacting several areas including Eredo, Bojije, Epe, Sangotedo, Ibeju-Lekki, Awoyaya, Labora, Abijon, Iyana-Oworo, Agege, Ijegun-Isheri Osun, and Gbagada.
The flooding brought vehicular movement to a halt and led to the collapse of a two-story building in Mushin. Tragically, a 61-year-old man was electrocuted in Orile-Iganmu while navigating the floodwaters and holding onto a street light pole.
This decisive action by the Lagos State government underscores the urgent need to address illegal constructions and ensure proper drainage maintenance to prevent future flooding and safeguard lives and properties.