Lagos State House of Assembly has called on the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources to ensure that drainages and Canals across the State are cleared for free flow of channels, and also ensure that residents cultivate environmental friendly habits by stopping the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the drains, blocking of channels with illegal structures, always clear their environment; and also maintain strict compliance with the provisions of Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017.
The House also urged the Governor to direct the Commissioner for Information and Strategy and other orientation agencies to commence a sustainable awareness campaign and sensitization program on the task and challenges ahead while directing the Commissioner for Special Duties to ensure that all Emergency Units are adequately equipped and kept alert during the rainy season.
The Chairman House Committee on Environment, Hon. Desmond Elliot, representing Surulere I, moved the motion on ‘Threat of Ocean Surge and Flooding in the State”during matter of Urgent Public Importance, stating the fears and worries of the citizens in anticipation of heavy rains as predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency with Lagos having about 240-270 days of rainfall for the year.
The House of Assembly noted that Lagos State being the largest city and biggest economy in West Africa has been hit by heavy floods due to its drainage system and lacking in some places, thereby making flooding an annual experience in the State with its attendant effect on economic and environmental hardship every time it rains heavily.
He made note of the recent report by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), titled ‘The Human Cost of Weather Related Disaster’ which claimed that over 20 years, 90% of major disaster have been caused by 6,457 recorded floods, storms, heat waves, drought and other weather related events..
In realising that flood is a natural disaster that can be prevented by proper flood mitigation planning, the House therefore urged that the Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu will treat this as urgent.
Hon. Jude Idimogu who contributed explained that the canals without drainage would frustrate this motion “We need to drain the Canals”.
Hon. Abiodun Tobun opined that the neglect of drainage of canals by the government for a long time is the major cause of flooding. “Though I know people are guilty of dumping refuse into canals”. He added that reclamation activities should also be regulated because water will always find its level.
