The Chairman of Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State, Mrs Oluyemisi Rosiji, has flagged off the construction of a major drainage project to address perennial flooding in the area.

Rosiji announced the commencement of the project at a stakeholders’ engagement meeting held on Friday at Owolabi Street, Alakuko, in the council area.

She said the project was designed to improve water flow, reduce flooding and protect lives and property in affected communities.

“This project will enhance the quality of life and safeguard homes and businesses in affected communities,” she said.

She commended Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, for their commitment to drainage infrastructure development across Lagos State.

Rosiji said her administration remained committed to providing roads, drainage systems, streetlights and other community infrastructure across Ojokoro.

She appealed to residents to vacate the project’s right-of-way, noting that temporary inconveniences would deliver long-term benefits to the communities.

She also warned residents against dumping refuse into drains, saying blocked channels could undermine the project and worsen flooding.

“We need your cooperation to succeed; avoid actions that disrupt construction,” she said.

Mr Olasunkanmi Oke, the engineer in charge of the project,  said the construction would be executed in two phases to improve stormwater evacuation across affected streets.

He said the first phase would involve the construction of a one-kilometre-by-one-kilometre drainage channel along Owolabi Street.

Oke said the second phase would cover the construction of 0.75 kilometre drains extending to Hanson Street.

He said the project would be completed within 12 months, with construction taking place along one side of the road to minimise disruption to residents and road users.

The engineer clarified that markings on buildings indicated areas requiring clearance for the project and did not automatically mean the buildings would be demolished.