.as Lagos mulls partnership with Ogun counterpart

.insists on relocation of residents of low-lying for safety

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government has commenced the dredging of the Ogun-Osun River downstream project from the Ikorodu to Isheri axis of Lagos State, aimed at reducing the flood situation as well as ensure free flow of water within the axis.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has allayed fears of residents regarding the release of water from Oyan Dam, assuring that necessary measures are in place to effectively manage the floods as there is collaboration between it and Ogun State counterpart.

Addressing the media after an extensive tour of areas affected by the staggered water release, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, insisted that property owners and residents of low-lying areas must relocate to high grounds as the water is systemically released.

According to Wahab: “We are getting to a point that we are getting to a final solution. We thank Mr. President for awarding the dredging contract of the Ogun River Basin through Itowolo and expanding the width of it so when they discharge water from the dam the water level will not be this high.

“That contract has been awarded and they have started the job around September 18, 2024, but that is still not enough we have to come and empathize with the residents because they are taxpayers the governor has been unhappy about it by the state of things.

“So, we just want to plead and let’s see how far the drainage awarded will go to instigate this and then we will now find a way to see if there are still other things we have to do.

“With respect to the canal they want us to touch for them and we will have to give experts in the ministry to see how it can work.

“This involves more than Lagos State and thankfully Ogun State is more involved with us on this and that conversation we must take it up with my colleague in the Ministry of Environment in Ogun State and we see how far we can go on that.

“But the governor has given us assurance that this will resolve it in a way. We also have to appeal to the citizens that stay around Ajegunle and Itowolo they are taking so much risk in building their homes in the water and that water will never leave for them, we still appeal to them to leave to higher grounds it emotional, but life matters a lot.

“I will like to appeal to the property owners and residents around Ajegunle, Itowolo and other low-lying areas to relocate to higher ground; this is emotional, but life matters a lot; it has been observed that most buildings in Itowolo and environs are constructed along the plains of the Ogun River; water will never leave for you, it will always find its way.

“Graciously, Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved the second leg of the drainage system to start immediately and a contractor has been awarded the job.

“I believe in the next few days or weeks they should be on site. If that is done both side of the Agbede transformer and the Agbede Jesu Road will now discharge to that stream and then we will inform the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to put up the road infrastructure in that neighborhood.”

He explained that the ministry had engaged in massive advocacy in respect to the release of water in the past few weeks, urging residents not to compromise their safety and properties.

Wahab reiterated that the State Government fully recognizes the challenges faced by residents of the affected communities as they are taxpayers.

He added that the team was visiting Isheri North GRA for the second time in 12 months, promising that the government will get a final solution and the suggestion by residents to dredge a particular canal would be effectively executed.

Wahab recalled that in an effort to reduce the flood and ensure the free flow of water within the Ogun River system, Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, OORBDA, Ogun State Government recently commenced the dredging of the Ogun River downstream from the Ikorodu to Isheri axis (Ajelogo, Owode-Elede, Ajegunle, and deck-on-pile of Itowolo Bridge).

He noted that over 52 tributaries discharge into Lagos lagoon, which is a major contributor to prevalence of flooding and appreciated the Federal Government for awarding the Ogun River downstream project, saying the two states of Lagos and Ogun would continue to collaborate on ways to resolve the issue permanently.

Wahab added that as part of measures to prevent flooding in the axis and environs, there is an on-going extensive construction of 3.7km outfall Channel and secondary collectors on Gberigbe Road which cut across (Abule Eko/Ijede/Igbopa-London Road in Ikorodu jointly by the State and Federal Governments.

The Special Adviser on Environment, Engineer Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, who accompanied the commissioner, urged residents not to entertain fears because the State Government would continue to map out strategies to contain flooding that may be experienced at any point in time.

He advised residents to always be safety conscious, appealing to residents of low-lying areas to relocate to higher grounds.