As part of efforts to actualize its promise to sustain a flood-free Lagos, the Lagos government said on Sunday that it had intensified the cleaning of major drainage channels.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced this in a statement on X handle.

Mr Wahab led other state officials in continuing the inspection tour to some parts of the state. He explained that redesigning and reconstructing the 44 drainage channel system after removing structures on the setback would prevent flooding in the Lekki axis when the rains commence.

Mr Wahab said that the system 44 drainage, about five kilometres long, is a major channel that cuts across Lekki –Scheme II, Gedegede Community, Ikota GRA, Cluster 1 Ivy Homes, and Megamond estates.

He added that the dredging and lining of the canal would ameliorate the difficulties encountered in these areas during the rainy season.

While meeting with chiefs and Baales in the Lekki 2 area, Wahab introduced the contractor who would work on the concrete lining, seeking their cooperation to ensure a timely completion.

Earlier, the team also inspected the ongoing enforcement action to re-establish drainage setbacks in the Pele Wura/Ladylak Collector drain, Kofo Abayomi collector drain, and Aerodrome Collector drain, all in Apapa.

The team also visited System 157, Orchard Road, Lekki, where properties that fall within the approved meters setback of the channels were issued abatement notices before the commencement of enforcement action.

The commissioner also visited Ilabere Drainage Channel, off McPherson Road, Ikoyi. He directed the immediate cleaning of the channels and serving of abatement notices to a contractor who placed construction materials on the road, disrupting the free traffic flow.

He expressed satisfaction with the recent removal of shanties in the Coastal road, Mayegun, and Jakande areas of Lekki. He reminded residents that no government was out to hurt its citizens, adding that what was done in Mayegun-Jakande was being done to override public interest.

He added that during the enforcement activities, some individuals were caught parading arms. These suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authorities and will be charged to court and jailed if found guilty.

He warned all those who have erected structures on setbacks and alignments of the channels to remove them. He also advised residents to desist from the illegal act and have a change of heart towards the environment.

He advised pedestrians to always use the pedestrian bridges and avoid endangering their lives by crossing the highways, as they would face the wrath of the law if caught.

(NAN)