LASG cracks down on illegal structures along vital drainage channel

By Sodiq Adelakun

The Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources has launched an enforcement drive to reclaim the System 1 Drainage Channel, a critical waterway located in Ojota and Ogudu.

Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab announced the initiative on Monday via his official social media handle.

According to Wahab, an inspection conducted on Sunday revealed that property owners were building new structures within the designated areas, posing a threat to the channel’s functionality.

Established in 1974, System 1 is the largest primary channel responsible for mitigating flood-related challenges in major parts of the Lagos mainland, including Ogudu, Ojota, Ifako, Gbagada, and Maryland.

He added, “The state had been having discussions with property owners/residents since 2021, and the conversation ended in November 2023.

“Contravention notices have been served to owners of buildings lying within 140 metres of System 1 since 2021, but we found out that people have gone back to encroaching on the right of way and alignments.

“The property owners whose buildings fall within the approved 140 meters Right of Way of the channel had been given the option of voluntary compliance for almost three years.

“Some of the property owners continued with the construction of new buildings that surfaced in the areas now.”

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

It was gathered that in response to flooding threats, the Lagos State Government commenced a dredging operation in the Ikorodu area, targeting the primary channel in Awobo Estate.

The initiative was a significant step towards preventing potential disasters and ensuring the safety of residents in the region.