As the nation faces different environmental challenges due to rapid urbanisation, climate change and constraint resources, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Nigeria Group and the Lagos State Government are charting a new course on innovative strategies needed to promote sustainable urban development in Lagos.

For this reason, the group held the Lagos State Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, in a discussion on the prolonged heavy rains in the metropolis with the associated floodwaters and the measures being put in place to prevent reoccurrence.

With the theme: “Lagos: Leading the Way in Environmental Resilience and Sustainable Urban Development,” the commissioner explained that the roadmap was to enforce the state’s environmental laws and regulations.

Enforcement of regulations, he said would let people know that there are consequences for their actions, urging people not to put profits ahead of humanity.

He also suggested the need to ramp up multi-level advocacy to create awareness about sustainable environment.

He called on RICS Nigeria Group, which members comprise estate surveyors, valuers, quantity surveyors, town planners, building surveyors, financial advisors, property and facility managers, amongst other professions, to take up the challenge, ramp up advocacy and rid the built environment of quackery.

He narrated how people threw caution to the wind when constructing their houses, saying they sand-fill or block the natural drainage channels that always take storm waters to the Lagoon or Atlantic Ocean, and build on them.

According to him, no matter how beautiful the state’s master plan is, there must be enforcement of laws and regulations to make it work.

“When you are building on coastal side, you are required to have a drainage plan approval, but our people will not do that, they would cover up the natural paths of the streets’ waters.

System 156, system 44 and others were covered up by developers and we have to open them so that water can flow to the creeks,” he said.

Wahab advised investors, developers and would-be homeowners to stop contravening the building approval process, enjoining them to come back to the basics by following the due process before embarking on building.

“Let people come back to the basics by observing the setbacks, drainage path, do their research, get Environmental Impact Assessment report where necessary, know what’s take to build on coastline and wetlands,” he said.

On the last week torrential rainfall, the commissioner described it as “nature at its full blast”, pointing out that there would be flash floods in Lagos but that resilience infrastructure must be put in place.

“We must remove contravention on the path of water to move,” he said.

Wahab disclosed efforts of the state government on waste to wealth and enforcement of green nature in building.

He said the state executive council had just received the Building Code, noting that adhering to it would go a long way.

Earlier, the Chairman,  RICS Nigeria Group, Mrs. Olayinka Patunola-Ajayi, explained rapid urbanisation, climate change, and resource constraints have put immense pressure on Lagos’ infrastructure, ecosystems and communities.

However, she said that Lagos had also emerged as a pioneer in addressing these challenges head-on, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to environmental resilience and sustainable urban development.

Justifying the essence of the forum, she said the engagement has provided a platform for her group to delve into the innovative strategies, policies, and projects that Lagos is implementing to mitigate environmental risks, adapt to climate change, and create a more sustainable future for its residents.

“In the short time we have, there is a lot to explore, and we hope to touch topics such as: Flood management and drainage infrastructure; waste management and recycling initiatives renewable energy and energy efficiency measures; green building and sustainable construction practices; urban planning and design for resilience; community engagement and environmental awareness,” she said.

She is of the opinion that the knowledge and expertise shared would not only enrich members’ professional understanding but also empower them to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development of their cities and communities.

As members of the RICS,  she reminded them that they have a unique role to play in shaping the built environment and ensuring its long-term viability.