The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stated on Thursday that the Government is committed to finding a lasting solution to the flooding in Agungi and nearby areas. This will be achieved through the construction of a larger drainage collector along Agungi Road, which is expected to provide relief to residents.
The Commissioner made this announcement during a press briefing after a thorough assessment of the area, which recently experienced flooding due to 48 hours of continuous rainfall. He emphasized that the construction of a larger collector on Agungi Road is necessary to prevent future flooding.
Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite, and other Ministry officials, Wahab visited Freedom Park Road/Kusenla Junction and Alpha Beach Road. He noted that the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang was deployed during the rainfall to clear debris from the collector in these areas to ensure the free flow of stormwater.
Wahab observed a minor encroachment along Alpha Beach behind the Jame Hope University, where a blockage was discovered. He announced that full excavation would commence from Alpha Beach to Conservation Road starting Saturday.
The Commissioner explained that the new collector on Agungi Road is part of several planned constructions aimed at addressing the persistent flooding issues in identified areas. "At Agungi, we have determined that the area requires a new collector to channel water from the road to the lagoon. The current collector is insufficient for the volume of stormwater on Agungi Road," he said.
Wahab also mentioned that once the new collector is built, the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure will be involved in raising the road level. He highlighted the ongoing flooding problem on System 156 (Upstream) Alpha Beach Road and confirmed that channel dredging would start immediately to help make the state flood-free.
The Commissioner expressed concern that some property owners had blocked System 156, stressing that the state will not allow individuals to damage public infrastructure for personal gain.
He assured that the State Government will intensify enforcement operations across the state to reclaim setbacks and drainage alignments to prevent flooding.
Wahab urged residents to act as whistleblowers, as the government cannot monitor every location. He added that various Government Agencies and Ministries would collaborate to enforce the laws and stop such actions.