Residents of Lekki in Lagos State are urging the government to enforce planning laws to curb recurring flooding in their community.
The flooding, which has become a regular occurrence, has submerged homes, roads, and businesses, displacing families and ruining livelihoods.
The residents attribute the main cause of the flooding to the blockage of drainage systems, particularly System 156 and 157 drainage channels, due to illegal structures built on waterways. “Every illegal structure is a ticking time bomb for nearby communities once the rains return,” an environmental activist cautioned.
The residents are calling on the Lagos State Government to clear the blocked drainage systems to prevent further flooding. They are also demanding that the government enforce planning laws to stop developers from building on waterways and drainage channels. Furthermore, residents believe that until the government restores the area according to the original master plan, the flooding will not stop.
The Lagos State Government has been working to address the issue of unauthorized developments and flooding in the state. The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, has emphasized the importance of obtaining planning permits before commencing any development. The government has also sealed several illegally constructed buildings in Lekki, reinforcing its commitment to upholding urban planning laws.
The flooding has had severe consequences for the residents, including displacement of families, destruction of businesses and livelihoods, increased risk of disease outbreaks due to stagnant water, and damage to properties and infrastructure. The residents are hopeful that the government will take immediate action to address the issue.
The government’s response to the flooding has been noted by residents, who are now eagerly awaiting tangible solutions to the recurring problem. Environmental advocates have warned that unless canals are urgently cleared and illegal encroachments removed, Lagos is heading toward a major disaster.
