To actualise its promise to sustain a flood free Lagos, the state government has intensified dredging/cleaning of major drainage channels and canals across the state.

Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab made this affirmation yesterday when he led state officials on the continuation of an inspection tour to some parts of the state on Sunday.

He explained that the redesigning and reconstruction of system 44 drainage channel after the removal of structures on the setback will prevent flooding in the Lekki axis when the rains commence.

Addressing newsmen after the tour, Wahab said the system 44 drainage, which is about five kilometers, is a major channel that cuts across Lekki Scheme II, Gedegede Community, Ikota Government Reserved Area (GRA), Cluster 1/ Ivy Homes and Megamond Estates.

He added that the dredging and lining of the canal will ameliorate the difficulties encountered in these areas during the rainy season and also save lives and property.

He said: “I would like to appeal to all residents to take ownership of public infrastructure provided by the government in your communities, ensure the canals and drains are protected from refuse dumping and do away with encroaching on canals and drainage right of way.

“At a meeting with chiefs and Baales in the Lekki 2 area, the contractor that will work on the concrete lining was formally introduced to them, seeking their cooperation to ensure a timely completion of the work.”

Earlier, the team had inspected the ongoing enforcement action for the re-establishment of drainage setbacks in Pele Wura/ Ladylak Collector drain, Kofo Abayomi and Aerodrome Collector drain, all in Apapa.

The team also visited System 157, Orchid Road, Lekki where properties that violated the approved meters setback of the channels were issued abatement notices before commencement of enforcement action.

The Commissioner also visited Ilabere Drainage Channel, off McPherson Road, Ikoyi where he directed immediate cleaning of the channels and serving of abatement notices to contractors who were in the habit of illegally placing their construction materials on the road, thereby disrupting free flow of traffic.

Wahab expressed satisfaction with the recent removal of shanties on the Coastal road, Mayegun and Jakande area of Lekki, reminding residents that no government is out to hurt its citizens. He added that what was done in Mayegun/Jakande is being done for overriding public interest.

He noted that during the enforcement activities, some individuals were caught parading arms and these suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authorities and will be charged to court.

Wahab warned all those who have erected structures on setbacks and alignments of the channels to remove them or have them removed and advised residents to desist from the illegal act and have a change of heart towards the environment.

He advised pedestrians to always use the pedestrian bridges and avoid endangering their lives by dashing across the highways, adding that such fellows would face the wrath of the law when caught.

The Special Adviser on Environment, Mr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu said the state has zero tolerance for environmental abuse, especially drainage blockage.

She said people should desist from building on drainages and residents should avoid dumping refuse in drainages because such an act is unacceptable to the government.

Rotimi-Akodu stressed that the ultimate goal of clearing and dredging of the drainage channels and canals is to allow easy passage of rainstorm water during the rainy season.