Some local government area chairmen in Lagos State have warned owners of shops and buildings not to obstruct drains and canals in their areas with indiscriminate dumping of refuse.

The warning is coming following a rainfall that lasted for many hours on Wednesday, which resulted in heavy flooding in residential areas in Lagos Island, Mainland, Oshodi, Ikeja and other locations.

The flooding was attributed to blockage of waterways due to indiscriminate dumping of waste and building on the drains.

Mr Abdul-Hamed Salawu, the Executive Chairman, Somolu Local Government, said on Thursday that the council would take serious action against residents flouting the directives.

“We have emphasised more on the importance of maintaining clear drainage systems to prevent flooding in Somolu.

“We urge the community to be more conscious of their environment during downpour, particularly  on proper refuse disposal and avoiding the blockage of the drains.

“We call for calm and express our sympathy to the affected residents,” Salawu said.

The chairman reassured residents that his administration “is actively liaising with the Lagos State Government to develop effective and long-lasting solutions to the flooding problem.

“We are working closely with the government to find the best ways to prevent future occurrences of such devastating floods”.

Salawu said that proactive measures would be put in place to curb the flooding and called for community cooperation.

“We are aiming to foster a united effort in enhancing the resilience and safety of Somolu’s residents against future flooding threats and health crises,” the chairman said.

Mr Kehinde Oloyede,  the Executive Chairman, Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area, also said that government would not spare anyone caught disposing refuse in the drains.

Oloyede said that proper sensitisations had  gone to market traders as well as residents to desist from dumping refuse indiscriminately during downpour.

Oloyede appealed to market leaders in the local government to embark on advocacy to stop  their members from  habits that would clog the  drains and gutters.

The chairman warned that severe punishments awaited any market man or woman caught in such act across the council area.

He also enjoined house owners to warn their tenants against dropping their dirt in  the canals.

The chairman noted that the government would continue to prioritise the wellbeing of the people and would do everything legally possible to protect their welfare.

“It’s so unfortunate that some parts of our local government experienced flooding owing to the rainfall, this is really disturbing to us as government.

“Environmental report indicates that indiscriminate dumping of refuse is responsible for the incident.

“It’s on this note that I want to appeal to our market leaders to embark on campaign against dumping of refuse in our drains.

“Anybody caught will be dealt with in accordance with the law of the land and we shall not spare anyone,” he said.

Also,  the Executive Chairman of Isolo Local Council Development Area, Mr Olasoju Adebayo, promised to draw relevant authority’s attention for a lasting solution to be sought.

Adebayo advised motorists to avoid flooded areas and other risky routes to ensure safety of life during rainfall.

The council boss charged parents to ensure that their wards remained indoors whenever it rained, given Nimet’s forecast of heavy rains from Wednesday to Friday.

“We advise motorists to consider diverting to safer alternative routes for safety reasons during the rainfall.

“On our part as a responsible government, efforts will be geared towards alleviating the situation of affected areas.

“Motorists are strongly advised to ply Kogberegbe/Lamina Lawal/Aderinto streets, Ogundele Way inwards and outwards Isolo or, better still consider rescheduling their trips for safety purposes,” he said.