The Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources has lamented the buildings on drainage channels despite warnings, launching an enforcement campaign to reclaim the System 1 Drainage Channel midstream in Ojota and Ogudu.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced this initiative via his official social media handle on Monday, noting that an inspection conducted on Sunday found that property owners were constructing new buildings within the designated areas.
System 1, established in 1974, is the largest primary channel in Lagos responsible for mitigating flood-related challenges in key areas such as Ogudu, Ojota, Ifako, Gbagada, and Maryland on the mainland.
This enforcement effort aims to protect this vital drainage channel and prevent further encroachment that could exacerbate flooding issues in the region.
He added, “The state had been having discussions with property owners/residents since 2021, and the conversation ended in November 2023.
“Contravention notices have been served to owners of buildings lying within 140 metres of System 1 since 2021, but we found out that people have gone back to encroaching on the right of way and alignments.
“The property owners whose buildings fall within the approved 140 meters Right of Way of the channel had been given the option of voluntary compliance for almost three years.
“Some of the property owners continued with the construction of new buildings that surfaced in the areas now.”
Wahab also declared that the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources is initiating a major maintenance dredging project at Okota, Faseun Bridge System 6E, situated off Ago Palace Way.
This dredging effort seeks to enhance water flow and eliminate waste accumulation under the bridge, which is a contributing factor to flooding.
In response to the looming threat of flooding, the Lagos State Government has commenced a dredging operation in the Ikorodu area, focusing on the primary channel in Awobo Estate. This proactive initiative is a crucial step in averting potential disasters and ensuring the safety of residents in the region.
