To prevent floods on the federal roadways in Lagos State, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has mandated the desilting of drainage systems.
The Federal Controller of Works for Lagos State Olukorede Kesha, revealed this in a statement provided to Journalists on Thursday.
The order was issued after Wednesday’s business and commercial operations were suspended in various areas of Lagos and Ogun states due to a 10-hour rain.
As a consequence, hundreds of people were inundated, thousands of vehicles were grounded on the highways, and in certain areas of the states, schools were closed. A two-story building in the Mushin neighborhood of Lagos was also destroyed.
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.
But the Federal Controller of Works, Kesha, said Lagos State was not experiencing widespread submergence from floodwaters.
But she acknowledged that there was “localized flooding” on several federal routes in the city, which is why the drainages needed to be cleared.
She said, “We would like to make it clear that, in contrast to certain claims, floods are not causing widespread submersion in Lagos.
However, the ministry admits that certain areas of the city’s federal roadways have been impacted by isolated floods.
“In an effort to prevent the state’s federal roadways from flooding, the minister has ordered the desilting of drains along those routes.
“As the desilting of drains along the impacted roadways is presently being done, our teams are currently dispatched to examine the situation.
“The ministry understands the inconvenience caused by these flash floods and is committed to eliminating the disruptions caused thereafter.”
