The Lagos State Government has issued a 48-hour vacation notice to individuals residing in unauthorized structures along the Gbagada Baringa drainage channel.
The announcement was made by the state's Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a post on X.com on Sunday.
Wahab emphasized that the obstruction of the drainage channel by squatters and property owners has contributed to flooding in the area, urging prompt compliance with the vacation notice.
Excerpts from the post stated, "The drainage channel responsible for preventing flooding in the Bariga, Gbagada, Sholuyi downstream communities, and surrounding areas, and emptying into System 1, has been encroached upon by squatters. These individuals have become a nuisance and pose security threats to the estate. Furthermore, certain property owners have intentionally constructed buildings that impede the natural flow of water in the area.
During our inspection, it was observed that shanties have been built along the channel, obstructing the proper flow of stormwater and contributing to the recent flooding.Â
Upon the expiration of the notices that have been issued, the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources will take action to remove these structures and alleviate the flooding in the area.
According to PUNCH, extensive rainfall lasting for 10 hours led to the suspension of business and commercial operations on Wednesday in numerous areas of Lagos and Ogun states.
The inundation led to the collapse of a two-story building in the Mushin area of Lagos, resulting in the suspension of vehicular movement and the inundation of thousands of residents. As a result, students were unable to attend schools in certain areas.