The Lagos State Government has sympathised with residents over heavy flooding experienced in several parts of the state, including Oko-Oba in Agege, urging them to remain vigilant and cautious.

The state government, in a statement issued by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello, said the flooding experienced in some areas, especially old Oko-Oba Road, resulted from the over 10 hour-rainfall that overflowed the Oko-Oba Canal Channel presently undergoing expansion.

“The Oko-Oba Canal in Agege is being expanded to allow for the containment of more stormwater to reduce flooding in the area,” he said.

Bello enjoined motorists and residents to be cautious while wading through floods during heavy rainfall because of the inherent danger.

The commissioner stated that the expansion project was stalled due to the intensity of rain within the past few weeks, stressing that the Lagos State Government was committed to timely completion of the project.

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He noted that the coastal nature of Lagos makes it inevitable to experience flooding during a heavy downpour, especially in the high-intensity rainfall experienced in the last 36 hours.

While assuring residents that the risen water level will recede into the drainage channels a few hours after the heavy downpour, Bello appealed to Lagosians to remain cautious as the heavy rains will persist until the end of August.

“All those in depressed and low-lying areas in the State at this period must be wary of the water level and ready to move to high areas during the rainfall to safeguard lives and property,” the commissioner said.

He enjoined residents to support the Lagos State Emergency Flood Abatement Gangs by not dumping refuse into drains and canals.

The Star