The Lagos State Government has apologized to its residents for the flooding caused by heavy rain on Wednesday.
Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, said sorry during TV interviews on Thursday. He mentioned that the state has built strong infrastructure to handle flash floods.
Beyond Boders recalls that many parts of Lagos were flooded, causing problems for drivers and people walking. Some residents lost their belongings to the floodwaters. Wahab also expressed sympathy for a resident who lost a loved one and others who lost property.
Wahab explained that the city had about 10 hours of rain starting early Wednesday, leading to flash floods in areas like Egbeda, Iyana Oworo, Trade Fair Road, and Iyana Iba. The floods receded in about two hours due to measures the government had put in place.
“What happened yesterday (Wednesday) was not as a result of not preparing but because nature only took its course,” Wahab said, noting that the sea level was very high during the rain, affecting areas like Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Lekki.
Wahab advised residents in areas like Agege, Alimosho, and Ikeja to stay calm, as the government has infrastructure to drain stormwater into creeks and lagoons quickly.
Some areas, such as Ogombo and the Mobil corridor of Victoria Island, did not flood this time due to improved drainage.
He explained that flash floods happen worldwide and urged people to accept and live with nature.
He also mentioned that the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang was working from 4 am but faced high water levels.
Wahab highlighted ongoing efforts to keep drainage channels clear and restore their proper function, reminding residents that Lagos is a coastal city and will always experience some flooding when it rains.
He urged people to avoid dumping waste in drainages and support government efforts by keeping their local drains clean. He mentioned an incident where a couple was caught dumping waste in Surulere during the rain; their house was sealed, and they were arrested.
