The Lagos State Government has issued an apology to residents of the Ijede community in Ikorodu following the devastating floods that submerged homes after heavy rainfall between Sunday, August 3rd, and Monday, August 4th.
In response to the incident, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, revealed that urgent measures have been put in place to mitigate the impact. According to Wahab, a contractor has been mobilised to begin excavation work leading to the water discharge point as an immediate intervention.
He assured residents that while this temporary relief effort is ongoing, a more comprehensive drainage project approved by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is in progress and aimed at providing a permanent solution to the flooding challenges in the area.
Wahab, in his statement, said, “We have seen the trending video and fully understand the concerns it has raised. I want to assure all residents of Ikorodu that the ongoing drainage project in that area, awarded by Governor @jidesanwoolu, is designed to provide a permanent solution to the problem.”
He continued, “In the meantime, I have directed the contractor to immediately commence excavation work toward the discharge point and to prioritise the construction of culverts. The concrete lining, which is part of the broader project scope, will continue once the culvert work is stabilised.”
Apologising for the difficulties caused by the flooding, Wahab said, “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience residents are currently facing. This is temporary. What we are doing now is laying the groundwork for a permanent fix that will improve the quality of life for everyone in that area.”
He concluded by reiterating the state’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure, stating, “We are committed to building infrastructure that works and endures.”
