Lagos Property Owners Flout Notices, Erect Structures on Vital Drainage Channels
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Despite repeated warnings from the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, property owners in Lagos continue to flout regulations by constructing buildings on critical drainage channels. The ministry’s recent enforcement efforts to reclaim the System 1 Drainage Channel in Ojota and Ogudu highlight the persistent challenge.
Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab, sharing updates on social media, revealed that despite notices dating back to 2021 urging compliance, property owners persist in building within designated areas. System 1, established in 1974, serves as a crucial primary channel crucial for mitigating flood risks across key areas of Lagos mainland.
In an inspection tour led by Wahab, it was observed that construction activities encroached upon the vital drainage channel, compromising its functionality. Contravention notices issued since 2021 have failed to deter violators, leading to ongoing construction within the designated right of way.
The Ministry’s upcoming maintenance dredging project at Okota, Faseun Bridge System 6E, underscores efforts to address flooding issues. By improving water flow and clearing waste accumulation under bridges, the initiative aims to enhance flood prevention measures.
Recent dredging operations in the Ikorodu area reflect the government’s proactive stance in averting potential disasters. Targeting primary channels such as those in Awobo Estate, these initiatives prioritize the safety and well-being of Lagos residents amidst escalating flood threats.
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