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The Lagos State Government on Sunday sealed three buildings on Adeniji Adele Road, Lagos Island, for obstructing drainage channels with construction materials. The affected properties, located at Numbers 65, 68, and 124, were inspected by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who issued the sealing order.
Wahab expressed concern over the practice of dumping building materials on roads and drainage channels, which leads to serious blockages and disrupts the natural flow of water. He warned developers and residents to desist from such actions to avoid flooding and environmental degradation.
“This inspection is part of preparations for the commencement of urban regeneration activities on Lagos Island,” Wahab said. He stressed the importance of urban renewal to address the chronic flooding issues that threaten lives and properties on the island.
The Commissioner noted that a contract had previously been awarded to Julius Berger to construct infrastructure on the Island. However, years of human activities and neglect had clogged the drainage systems, prompting the Governor to re-award the road and drainage infrastructure project.
“This tour became necessary as the Governor has re-awarded the regeneration of the total infrastructure of Lagos Island. We need to ensure the contractors are ready to commence and explore ways to shorten the delivery time to 18 months or less, instead of the initial 24 months,” Wahab explained in a statement by Kunle Adeshina, Director of Public Affairs, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.
Wahab emphasized the government’s commitment to providing resilient infrastructure, encouraging citizens to take ownership of their surroundings while the government fulfills its statutory responsibilities. “Our people must remember that taxpayers’ funds are deployed to build these infrastructures,” he added.
The Commissioner also reaffirmed the total ban on single-use plastics, effective from January, and noted a significant reduction in littering, particularly with styrofoam, since the enforcement began.
In addition, Wahab expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Ilubirin pumping station project, which is crucial to the regeneration efforts. He revealed that the station would be energized within the next ten days for test runs.
“The Ilubirin water pump project is a critical component of our efforts to deflood Lagos Island and its environs,” Wahab said. He explained that all drainage systems on the Island would discharge into the Lagoon through the pumps, which are expected to provide a permanent solution to flooding in the area.
The Ilubirin project includes three major pumps, two 500KVA generators, and three control panels, with a pumping capacity of 3 million liters of water per hour. Wahab emphasized that the project would significantly benefit the entire community, ensuring long-term flood relief for Lagos Island.
“All the equipment is now in place, and once the connections are completed, we will begin test running in ten days or less. This will complement the broader urban regeneration efforts to deflood Lagos Island,” he concluded.
