By Ediri Ejoh

Residents of Ishaga Close, Safejo, Amukoko, Ojo Road, Ajegunle, Alaba Oro, Amusa, Suru-Alaba and other areas under Ifelodun Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State were rendered homeless after heavy rainfall caused severe flooding that destroyed properties worth millions of naira.

The incident occurred yesterday, adding to repeated appeals by residents to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Executive Chairman of Ifelodun LCDA, Mayor Olufemi Akanbi Okeowo, for the dredging of the canal and completion of the abandoned road project leading to it.

A resident and trader, Mrs. Rukayat, who preferred not to be fully identified, expressed distress over the situation:

“The flood has taken over our community. We move around in rain boots, not to mention some of our appliances, valuables and chairs have been destroyed by the flood. We need the intervention of the government to fix the canal and the road to save us from further ruin.”

She noted that buildings constructed on the right of way and the stalled road project have worsened the community’s challenges.

Another resident, Pastor Sunday of G.C.E.M, highlighted the health implications: “The flood, coupled with fluids from decomposing materials at the landfill, contaminate boreholes in the area and make the water unsafe for consumption… Children are bailing water out of their classes before attending lessons.”

The residents appealed to the state and local government to urgently dredge the canal and complete the road project to prevent future flooding as the rainy season continues.

They observed that the last significant work on the canal was carried out about four years ago.

The affected communities are calling for swift intervention from relevant authorities to mitigate further damage.