Flooding: Lagos LCDA steps up drainage clearance at Gbagada community

Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State has commenced drainage desilting operations in Gbagada community as part of efforts to mitigate flooding, preserve the environment, and safeguard lives and property.

The Chairman of the council, Mrs Omope Adedeji, made this known on Thursday in Lagos during an inspection tour of drainage restoration works on Ogundero Street and Dhaomy Street, Gbagada, in the LCDA.

Newsmen recall that widespread blockage of drainage channels across inner streets in Lagos had earlier been reported, raising concerns over potential flooding and environmental hazards if urgent interventions were not carried out.

Adedeji explained that the visit was to assess the level of progress made, stressing that the exercise remained a work in progress until the entire drainage alignment was fully restored and reconnected to natural water bodies.

She explained that the council had embarked on routine desilting of drainage channels and sensitisation campaigns to discourage residents from indiscriminate waste disposal, which contributes significantly to blocked drainage systems.

“Our administration is fully committed to tackling the recurring flooding challenges across the affected communities.

“We have intensified drainage clearance, opened blocked waterways, and are collaborating with relevant state agencies to provide sustainable solutions,” she said.

Adedeji said the desilting exercise would be extended to other parts of the LCDA where drainage blockages had been identified, as efforts intensify to safeguard residents and infrastructure from the impact of heavy rainfall.

The chairman said the council would continue to urge community members to stop dumping refuse and waste into canals to preserve the longevity of the drainage interventions.

Adedeji said she met with community leaders and residents in Gbagada to explain the ongoing intervention, answer questions, and provide detailed information on both immediate and long-term measures being implemented to permanently address flooding in the area.

The chairman also urged residents in the area to remain vigilant, heed weather advisories issued by relevant authorities, and promptly report blocked drainage channels to the council for immediate action.

Adedeji reassured residents that the council would sustain its ongoing environmental interventions as part of its commitment to protecting lives and property and promoting a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment across the LCDA.

Residents have welcomed the development, urging the council to sustain the initiative and enforce proper waste disposal practices to prevent a recurrence of blocked drains.