The Lagos State Government has advised residents and property owners along river banks and flood-prone areas to relocate to higher ground.
According to Lagos state commissioner for the environment, Tunji Bello, the state may be susceptible to the dangers of flooding with the periodic release of rain water from Oyan Dam which may increase the level of water in the Lagoon.
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The most recent rainfall forecast from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET),suggests that this year’s heavy rains may start relatively earlier and end later than usual.
In a press statement issued by the ministry’s spokesman, Kunle Adesina, residents living in areas like Ketu, Alapere, Agric, Owode onirin, Ajegunle, Alagbole, Kara, Isheri olowora,Araromi Otun orisha community, Agiliti, Maidan, Mile 12, Odo ogun, Owode elede, Agboyi 1, Agboyi II, Agboyi III which are banks to the Ogun River, need to relocate to higher grounds.
He said the State is also working with the Ogun Oshun River Basin Development Authority to ensure that rain water releases that pass through the Oyan dam have minimal negative impact on the residents.
He said the Seasonal Rainfall Pattern for the year by the Nigerian Metrological Services NIMET had predicted that the peak of the r rainfall will be in October.
In order to prevent a repeat of last year’s flood, which forced more than 1,000 residents of a community in Ikorodu to flee their homes, Engr. Muyideen Akinsanya, Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage, Lagos State Ministry of the Environment, advised residents of the ten communities to relocate to higher ground between the months of June and mid-September and between the months of October and January.
