Flooding: Ikota, Lekki Residents Urge Govt To Act Against Illegal Structures On Waterways
Many residents believe that powerful developers are shielded from sanctions, leaving ordinary Lagosians to bear the brunt of the consequences.Residents of Ikota and the Lekki axis have appealed to the Lagos State Government to take urgent action against developers erecting illegal structures on canals and drainage channels in the state.
The residents lamented that Tuesday’s downpour was yet another nightmare that left homes and roads completely submerged.According to them, the floods not only destroyed businesses but also forced families to scramble to salvage the little they could. “This is no way to live. Every rainfall is a disaster. We are losing everything while the government watches,” a distraught resident cried out.
Those affected blamed the recurring flooding on man-made causes, namely illegal structures built on canals and drainage channels, particularly System 156 and 157 drainage channels.They accused developers of blocking waterways and the Lagos State Government of failing to enforce its own planning laws.“Until the government restores this area according to the original master plan, the flooding will not stop,” a homeowner, standing in knee-deep water, said.
Town planners say that the state’s master plan prohibits construction on waterways, but enforcement has been weak and sometimes selective.Many residents believe that powerful developers are shielded from sanctions, leaving ordinary Lagosians to bear the brunt of the consequences.The impact of the flooding goes beyond damaged property as it displaces families, destroys livelihoods, and threatens public health as stagnant water increases the risk of disease outbreaks.
Environmentalists Warn Environmental rights activists cautioned that Lagos is heading toward a major disaster unless canals are urgently cleared and illegal encroachments removed.“Every illegal structure is a ticking time bomb for nearby communities once the rains return,” an activist warned.Scores of streets and homes in the nation’s commercial capital were flooded during a heavy downpour on Tuesday.
Many commuters were left stranded as vehicles were submerged.In neighbouring Ogun, the state government advised residents living in floodplains to relocate to higher ground.
