Following a 10-hour downpour that caused widespread flooding in Lagos and Ogun states, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has directed the desilting of drainages along federal roads in Lagos State to deflood the highways.
The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos State, Olukorede Kesha, disclosed this in a statement, clarifying that while Lagos is not experiencing widespread submergence from floodwaters, localized flooding has affected certain sections of federal roads within the city.
Kesha said, “We wish to clarify that contrary to some reports, Lagos is not experiencing widespread submergence from floodwaters. However, the ministry acknowledges that localized flooding has affected certain sections of federal roads within the city.”
The directive came after the flooding caused by the downpour brought down a two-storey building in the Mushin area of Lagos, grounded vehicular movement on the roads, and overwhelmed thousands of residents, with pupils unable to attend schools in parts of the states.
Residents of affected areas such as Iyana-Oworo, Agege, Ijegun-Isheri Osun, Gbagada, and Lagos Island in Lagos State lamented the flooding of roads and houses. Other flooded places in Lagos include Eredo, Bojije, Epe, Sangotedo, Ibeju-Lekki, Awoyaya, Labora, and Abijon.
The ministry has deployed teams to assess the situation, and the desilting of drains along the affected roads is currently being carried out. “The ministry understands the inconvenience caused by these flash floods and is committed to eliminating the disruptions caused thereafter,” Kesha said.
In related news, the Labour Party (LP) has called for disciplinary action against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his threat to prevent the re-election of Senator Ireti Kingibe in 2027.
