PUNCH
Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, speaks with VICTORIA EDEME about the strategies for addressing flooding and the cholera outbreak in the state
What strategies has the Lagos State Ministry of Environment implemented to address the issue of flooding during this rainy season?
As a state, the first strategy is an awareness campaign. Whatever you plan to do, the people must be involved. They shouldn’t be caught unawares. Previously, we sent out meteorological reports daily, but nobody paid attention. Now, we are taking a step further to explain what the reports mean and how to read and interpret them. Earlier this year, it was reported that precipitation would be slightly above average. For those living around the wetland areas of the state, which are prevalent, we have advised them to start moving. It’s a recurring event. Typically, every year they move when the floods arrive. Currently, the expected flood volume this year is unusual, making it potentially hazardous not to take notice. Therefore, we’re educating these residents that they shouldn’t wait for the usual cycle because there could be an unexpected surge. Additionally, we are making significant efforts to clear water paths, canals, and exit points that have often been blocked.
Furthermore, we plan to have a situation room so that if there’s rain and a flood, we can all coordinate across different areas and know what actions to take. Citizens would know how to protect themselves, the whereabouts of our personnel, and how to contact them in emergencies.
How effective is the awareness programme that is being carried out?
For the work we have done so far, we’re receiving good feedback. However, the target audience is not yet fully engaged. The elites, social agencies, and those on social media are responding well. The people most affected are those not inclined towards social media, and some are illiterate or semi-literate. Therefore, in addition to electronic communication, our teams are now actively going into communities. They visit all these wetlands to educate residents on what to do and how to avoid being caught unexpectedly in floods. Based on direct interactions, we are receiving positive feedback.
You mentioned that people have to switch locations when the floods are coming. Are there any plans to provide stable accommodation for such persons?
The government is not currently providing an alternative. This is their regular practice, part of their usual cycle. Regarding preparing a place for them, we are working towards reaching that stage. The government is responsive and ready to alleviate the plight these people are going through, but it must be done with proper planning. Otherwise, we risk taking on more than we can handle. We have made efforts by urging them to register with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency scheme so that they can be included in planning. How many of them have done so? Only a few. Currently, there is no law directly prosecuting non-compliance, so we continue to appeal to them to register. Based on the data provided to LASRRA, we identify those living in the wetland areas and estimate how many people we need to make provisions for, not exceeding that number. Some individuals from other states may enter Lagos State without proper procedures, claiming they can reside here. When we accept some and not others, it creates additional issues. It could also stir up religious or tribal sentiments. Therefore, for now, we are not proceeding with providing provisions due to the potential negative effects and the risk of causing discontent among Lagos residents.
What areas in Lagos are flood-prone and why are they most affected by the downpour?
Lagos is a coastal state. We refer to it as a state of aquatic splendour, and we are determined not to turn that splendour into a nightmare. That’s why we’re making all of these efforts. We have many wetland areas. Some parts of Ogudu are very close to the water. Apart from the reclaimed and sand-filled areas, other residents living there are practically surrounded by water for almost nine months of the year. In Etiosa, aside from the reclaimed and sand-filled areas developed by the wealthy, other locals and disadvantaged people live directly in the water. The wetland areas are easily identifiable; their lands are consistently green with algae, fungi, and other aquatic plants. Some parts of the land are also sinking. Similar areas exist in Iyanaoworo and Badagry. Lagos is blessed with water, and we should aim to harness positivity from it.
Can you provide an update on the current status and effectiveness of the drainage systems across the state?
It was evident, though. There was a downpour for about 10 hours, and people became worried about the level of flood that came with it. But if you go and check those areas now, it seems like water never crossed that path. The reason is simple: the ministry has continued to do what is necessary. Floods will naturally come. When the rain stops, the water should drain off within three hours. If this doesn’t happen, something is wrong. It could be that the tidal level is still high or it’s still raining elsewhere, increasing the tidal level of the sea or water body.
Secondly, if floods persist longer than necessary, we must inspect all our exit points into the water, such as canals or manholes. Some people dispose of solid waste into the canal during rain, believing it will wash away, but this waste floats on the water. It accumulates in narrow paths, potentially blocking them. This impedes the discharge of floodwater into the water body, slowing it down or stopping it entirely, so the flood persists longer than expected.
