By Esther Agbo
The Lagos State Government has issued a 48-hour notice for the evacuation of squatters and owners of unauthorised structures along the Gbagada-Bariga drainage channel.
This announcement was made by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, through a post via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, on Sunday.
Wahab highlighted that the drainage channel, essential for preventing flooding in Bariga, Gbagada, Sholuyi, and surrounding areas, has been obstructed by squatters and unauthorised structures. This obstruction has been a major factor in the recent flooding in the region.
“The drainage channel which defloods Bariga, Gbagada, Sholuyi downstream communities and environs, and discharges into System 1 has been taken over by squatters who have constituted nuisance and security risks to the estate, and property owners who deliberately built to obstruct free flow of water in the area,” Wahab stated.
“Shanties were erected along the length of the channel, and their activities blocked collectors that are supposed to carry stormwater into the channel, which resulted in the flooding experienced during the week.”
Wahab also added that after the eviction notice period, the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources would begin removing the illegal structures to restore proper drainage and reduce flooding risks.
This decision follows a severe 10-hour rainstorm on Wednesday that led to widespread flooding across Lagos and Ogun states.
The heavy downpour resulted in the collapse of a two-storey building in Mushin, disrupted vehicular movement, and hampered business activities, affecting thousands of residents and preventing many pupils from attending school.