The Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources has launched an enforcement campaign to reclaim the System 1 Drainage Channel in Ojota and Ogudu to combat flooding. Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab announced this initiative on Monday, noting that despite warnings, property owners were still constructing within the designated areas.
The System 1 Drainage Channel, established in 1974, plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks across Lagos mainland areas such as Ogudu, Ojota, Ifako, Gbagada, and Maryland.
Wahab shared, “Yesterday, I led an inspection tour to the enforcement sites reclaiming 140 meters Right of Way for System 1 Drainage Channel midstream (Odo Iya Alaro) Ojota and Ogudu to assess compliance by property owners and progress of work.”
He emphasized the significance of the drainage channel for mitigating mainland flooding issues in Lagos.
Despite serving contravention notices to property owners since 2021 to promote voluntary compliance, some persisted in construction within the designated area.
Wahab further explained, “Discussions with property owners/residents began in 2021 and concluded in November 2023. Despite contravention notices issued since 2021 for buildings within 140 meters of System 1, encroachments persist.”
He highlighted that property owners within the approved Right of Way were given nearly three years for voluntary compliance, yet some continued construction in the area.
Additionally, the Ministry plans to initiate major maintenance dredging at Okota, Faseun Bridge System 6E, to enhance water flow and clear debris contributing to flooding.
Last week, PUNCH reported the Lagos State government’s dredging operation in Ikorodu’s Awobo Estate, targeting the primary channel to prevent potential disasters and ensure resident safety.