As part of measures to stem flooding and attendant consequences, Lagos State has begun dredging of canals following the discovery that major canals in the state had been blocked, a developing which aggravated the July 10, 2011 flooding in which scores of residents drowned in overflowing canals in parts of the state, BusinessDay reported.
This is also in preparation for a possible heavy downpour later this August as predicted by meteorologists. The state government has therefore directed contractors handling various dredging of water channels to hasten pace of work before the predicted heavy rains begin.
The commissioner for environment Tunji Bello, told newsmen during an inspection tour of some flood prone communities in Shomolu, and Yaba Local Government Areas of the state.
He also urged those living near canals to refrain from dumping into the canals, saying the recent heavy flooding in the state had been due to blocked drains warning that the state government will not hesitate to demolish illegal structure erected on the drainage channels.
He specifically ordered residents along Bajulaiye Canal, in Akoka area to vacate or have their structures demolished.
Bello who allayed fears of the residents emphasized that indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the gutters had caused a lot of environmental disasters that would have been averted , pointing out that government would no -longer tolerate the building of illegal structure in the state.
“Canals is a reservoir of water for flooding, they are God’s natural protection for holding water during massive flood and it is not a place for anybody to build a house,” he warned, revealing that the government has commenced the dredging of Bajulaye canal in Shomolu to de-silt the entire 10 kilometre stretch, adding that the lining of the canal with concrete is being done by Zarpex Construction Company.
Chairman of Shomolu local government, Gbolahan Bago –Stowe who was in the company of the commissioner, disclosed that the council has constituted a team to monitor and arrest anyone caught dumping into canals in the area.
This is also in preparation for a possible heavy downpour later this August as predicted by meteorologists. The state government has therefore directed contractors handling various dredging of water channels to hasten pace of work before the predicted heavy rains begin.
The commissioner for environment Tunji Bello, told newsmen during an inspection tour of some flood prone communities in Shomolu, and Yaba Local Government Areas of the state.
He also urged those living near canals to refrain from dumping into the canals, saying the recent heavy flooding in the state had been due to blocked drains warning that the state government will not hesitate to demolish illegal structure erected on the drainage channels.
He specifically ordered residents along Bajulaiye Canal, in Akoka area to vacate or have their structures demolished.
Bello who allayed fears of the residents emphasized that indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the gutters had caused a lot of environmental disasters that would have been averted , pointing out that government would no -longer tolerate the building of illegal structure in the state.
“Canals is a reservoir of water for flooding, they are God’s natural protection for holding water during massive flood and it is not a place for anybody to build a house,” he warned, revealing that the government has commenced the dredging of Bajulaye canal in Shomolu to de-silt the entire 10 kilometre stretch, adding that the lining of the canal with concrete is being done by Zarpex Construction Company.
Chairman of Shomolu local government, Gbolahan Bago –Stowe who was in the company of the commissioner, disclosed that the council has constituted a team to monitor and arrest anyone caught dumping into canals in the area.