… Joe Igbokwe, As Special Adviser Leads The Charge
The Lagos State Government has commenced dredging of major drainage channels and canals spread across the State.
It is in fulfillment of its promise to start massive construction after the rains.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Drainage and Water Resources, Engineer Joe Igbokwe, is leading the charge.
Among the drainage channels where the contractors have moved to site and commenced dredging are the Jankara/Oroyinyin/Binuyo/Adeniji-Adele Channel, Idioro- Idiaraba axis, Ado-soba Channel in Festac and Gbagada-Bariga Channel. Others include Kentucky-Alapere, Irede Satellite Channel in Ojo axis and the Construction of trapezoidal drain at the downstream of Ekoro in Aboru.
Speaking during his inspection tour of some of the dredging points, Igbokwe said the dredging of the channels will put the State in good stead to prevent flooding of many areas.
He explained thatthe government was taking advantage of the cessation of rainfall to immediately commence dredging and minimise the dangers of flooding.
Igbokwe, who was accompanied on the tour by the Permanent Secretary, Drainage services, Eng Lekan Shodeinde and other Directors, warned all those who have erected structures on the setbacks and alignments of the channels being dredged to remove them or have them removed, noting that they will also face prosecution.
He reiterated the State Government’s zero tolerance for environmental abuse, especially drainage blockage, saying a classic example is the canal at Itire beside the Odo-Eran market which is blocked with waste and refuse from the market, stressing that such an act is unacceptable and would no longer be tolerated.
“Lagosians must desist from dumping refuse in drainage channels and stop acts compromising drainage alignment, such as building and erecting of structures on drainage setbacks among others”, he added.
The Special Adviser maintained that the ultimate goal of clearing and dredging of the drainage channels and canals is to allow easy passage of rainstorm water, adding that the Government will soon look into the possibility of building retention ponds across the State.
According to him “Retention ponds are essential as Lagos in recent times has been experiencing flooding due to the rise in sea level and persistent rainfall”.
He affirmed that the present administration had resolved to find lasting solutions to the issue of flooding as part of the efforts to contain the occurrence next year, maintaining that the State government will be more forceful in its campaign against dumping of refuse in canals and drains and as well as the erection of building on canals, drainage channels and watercourses.