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Warns against Dumping of Refuse in Drainage System
- Safiu Kehinde
The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has charged residents of the states to expect more rain while warned against the dumping of refuses in drainage system.
Wahab gave the warning in a post shared on his official X handle on Monday over the intense rainfall currently experienced in the state.
The rain which started on Sunday has persisted till Monday afternoon with reports of flooding across some areas of the state.
While urging residents to remain calm, the Commissioner admitted that an increase volume of rainfall may overwhelm some drainage channels in the state as the rain, as predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), is bound to persist.
Wahaba explained that Lagos, as coastal city, iis naturally vulnerable to tidal lock-up when rising water levels in the lagoon slow down the discharge of runoff.
He urged parents and guardians to keep their wards indoor while also appealing to motorists and pedestrians to avoid moving through flooded roads.
The Commissioner harped on the need to avoid dumping refuses into the drain as it clogs the drainage systems and worsens flooding.
The post read; “Over the past 12 hours, Lagos has experienced intense rainfall, and more is expected in the coming days according to NiMET’s latest advisory. I urge all residents to remain calm.
“We have resilient systems in place to manage flash floods, but the sheer volume of rainfall may temporarily overwhelm some drainage channels.
“As a coastal city, Lagos is naturally vulnerable to tidal lock-up when rising water levels in the lagoon slow down the discharge of runoff. This is further worsened by climate change.
“We are closely monitoring areas near rivers and lagoons, which are at higher risk of flash floods with strong currents.
“Parents and guardians, please keep your children indoors during this holiday period. Swimming or playing in floodwater is extremely dangerous.
“I also appeal to motorists and pedestrians to avoid moving through flooded roads. Vehicles can be submerged, and lives can be lost.
“Once again, I must stress, do not dump refuse into drains during rainfall. It clogs our drainage systems and worsens flooding.
“There are consequences for such actions, and enforcement will continue.
“Our teams are working round the clock to clean and maintain drainages and are expanding our network with concrete-lined channels to manage runoff more effectively.
“But in times of unusually heavy downpour like this, every resident must play their part. Together, we will keep Lagos safe.”