PERENNIAL FLOODING: RESIDENTS OF FOUR LGs GET REPRIEVE AS STATE STEPS UP CANAL CLEANING .[PHOTO].#PRESS RELEASE.

Reprieve from perennial flooding has come for residents of four Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas which the drainage channel 6c passes through, just as the State has successfully desilted the major channel which housed mountainous refuse for over 10 years.

Speaking with newsmen after an inspection tour of the major primary channel in Idi-araba and Surulere on Thursday, the Permanent Secretary Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Lekan Shodeinde, said the affected Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas are enjoying a new lease of life in Surulere, Mushin, Odi-Olowo and Itire-Ikate, adding that over two metres high refuse was evacuated at the Akobi Crescent end and LUTH tributary.

Shodeinde, who was represented during the tour by the Director, Drainage Maintenance, Engr. Olalekan Ajani, said at the inception of the present administration, most of the major primary channels were not functional and accessible because of the high volume of refuse covering all the drains due to neglect.

The Permanent Secretary said that flooding has become a thing of the past in the area since the regular clearing of drainage system 6c commenced in 2019, just as some residents of Akobi Crescent, Idi Araba and Ishaga confirmed that the roads are no longer clogged during rainfall. 

He said the drainage channel which is about 13 kilometres in length and about 10 metres in depth is one of the most strategic, which had made the areas involved very popular in the rainy season for the wrong reasons.

According to him, "The present administration is determined to make the State flood-free by ensuring that the major waterways that belong to the Federal Government and the primary drainages to be maintained by Local Governments regularly are kept clean".

Warning against the unwholesome act of drainage blockage by residents, Shodeinde gave an assurance that the Ministrý's Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) team will continue to work throughout the year across Lagos.

He hinted that canoes would be provided for the EFAG operatives to clear any floating objects noticed on channels immediately after rainfall. 

The Permanent Secretary also enjoined residents to support government efforts by ensuring the regular clearing of drainages in front of their houses to ensure the free flow of water.