The Lagos State Government has visited the affected communities in Ikorodu in response to the flash flooding caused by more than 13 hours of intense rainfall.
The state government during the visit assured the affected residents of expedited efforts to complete critical drainage infrastructure in the area.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Kunle Adeshina, the Director, Public Affairs of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, on Thursday, in Lagos.
Adeshina said the visit, which was led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, included a high-powered delegation comprising officials from the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Special Duties, and other key agencies.
He added that the officials undertook an on-the-ground inspection of the affected areas.
Speaking to journalists after the tour, Rotimi-Akodu emphasised that the flooding was as a result of a rare magnitude of rainfall intensified by climate change.
“The effects of climate change are real. The type of rainfall experienced earlier this week is one that happens once in decades.
“We are here to deliver Mr Governor’s message of sympathy and to assure residents that Lagos is not leaving them behind,” he said.
Rotimi-Akodu said the ongoing Ikorodu drainage infrastructure projects are designed to address the area’s long-standing flooding issues.
“When completed, these infrastructures will offer lasting solutions. We’re here to see how far work has gone, assess the damage, and determine immediate mitigation efforts,” he said.
He urged residents to adopt environmentally responsible behaviours, especially in waste disposal.
“We must stop dumping refuse into drains and encroaching on road infrastructure. These actions worsen flooding and jeopardise public safety,” he warned.
The delegation also included officials from the Ministry of Special Duties, who conducted preliminary humanitarian needs assessments to determine appropriate interventions, particularly for affected communities such as Ijede, Gberigbe, One Fold, Gbopa, and Abule-Eko.
Also on the tour was Hon. Abiodun Moshood, member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Ikorodu II Constituency, who clarified that the drainage project had not been abandoned, contrary to some public concerns.
“This is a 12-month project flagged off six months ago. We are now entering the second phase. I’m confident it will bring permanent relief once completed,” he said.
The Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr Gbenga Oyerinde, said his ministry is compiling data and damage reports to guide the state’s humanitarian response.
“We’re gathering the facts to ensure no one is left behind in our intervention plans,” he added.
Among those who joined the inspection were Mr Mahamood Adegbite, Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Mr Sesan Ogundeko, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Dr Femi Osayintolu, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency.
Also on the entourage included Mrs Margaret Adeseye, Director, Lagos State Fire Service,Mr Tunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba, Chairman, Ijede LCDA and directors from various ministries and state agencies.
The sites visited included ongoing Outfall Channel construction for Gberigbe Road Project (One Fold axis), Palm Avenue Collector Drain at Oke-Eletu and communities across Ijede and Igbogbo, including Okeletu Road, Unity Estate, Gbopa, and Abule-Eko. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)