The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has accused some critics of politicising flooding in the state, insisting that ongoing interventions on drainage channels, wetlands and floodplains have reduced the impact of heavy rainfall despite the effects of climate change.
Wahab stated this on Saturday during an inspection of drainage channels and flood-prone areas, including Oniru, Chevron Drive, Agungi-Ajiran, Freedom Road and Orange Island.
His comments come days after flash floods triggered by persistent rainfall submerged parts of Lagos, sparking criticism of the state’s flood management efforts.
Speaking during the inspection, the commissioner said the government had begun recording improvements after removing encroachments along drainage channels around Chevron Drive and Gravitas.
“Some days back, when we came to that Chevron Drive by Gravitas, we all saw the level of encroachments carried out by some Omo-onile, all in the guise of taking possession.
“And two days after, they had come there with their armed policemen to stop government officials from carrying out their lawful assignments of opening up their channel back to the lagoon. But thankfully, we were able to overcome that.
“Within 72 hours, we have seen a remarkable improvement in the discharging point of the downstream to salvage what is happening in the Ajiran village and neighbouring places,” he said.
The commissioner, however, alleged that some individuals had chosen to politicise flooding despite efforts by government officials to mitigate its impact.
“Yes, they are politicising it, but that is what they want to do this season. They are not giving this team enough flowers for the work they have been doing. I know the effort they put in day and night.
“Three years ago, when we saw the reports, we took them methodically—from waste management to banning Styrofoam, banning certain plastics, removing contraventions on floodplains, pushing back on wetlands, and providing more drainage infrastructure.
“If you listen to the President of Ghana’s speech last week when flooding happened in Accra, everything we have done in Lagos for three years is what they are about to start doing in Accra.
“So that can tell you how we have been able to manage what we have in Lagos. What we have is not overflowing flooding; it is flash flooding here and there. Time-stamp it and go back there in a few hours,” Wahab stated.
Wahab said the inspection was also intended to engage residents on measures being implemented by the government and identify locations requiring permanent engineering solutions.
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