Lagos Property Owners Continue Construction on Drainage Channels Despite Government Notices

In an effort to address flooding challenges in Lagos State, the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources has initiated an enforcement campaign to reclaim a crucial drainage channel known as the System 1 Drainage Channel midstream in Ojota and Ogudu.

Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab, who shares updates as @tokunbo_wahab on X.com, announced this development in a post on Monday.

He noted that during an inspection on Sunday, it was observed that property owners were constructing new structures within the designated areas.

System 1, established in 1974, serves as the largest primary channel responsible for mitigating flood-related issues in key areas of Lagos mainland, including Ogudu, Ojota, Ifako, Gbagada, and Maryland.

Wahab emphasized the importance of this drainage channel to Lagos State, stating that it would significantly alleviate flooding challenges on the mainland and its environs.

Efforts to encourage voluntary compliance among property owners began in 2021, with contravention notices issued.

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Despite these efforts, some individuals disregarded the notices and continued construction within the designated area.

According to Wahab, discussions with property owners/residents commenced in 2021 and concluded in November 2023.

However, it was discovered that encroachments on the right of way and alignments persisted.

Property owners within the approved 140-meter Right of Way were given nearly three years for voluntary compliance.

Despite this, new constructions emerged in the areas.

Additionally, the Ministry is set to commence major maintenance dredging at Okota, Faseun Bridge System 6E, located off Ago Palace Way.

This dredging aims to enhance water flow and remove accumulated waste under the bridge, thus mitigating flooding.

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Last week, in response to flooding threats, the Lagos State government initiated a dredging operation in the Ikorodu area, targeting the primary channel in Awobo Estate.

This initiative marks a significant step toward averting potential disasters and ensuring the safety of residents in the region.