The Lagos State Government has issued a 48-hour vacation notice to squatters and owners of illegal structures along the Gbagada-Bariga drainage channel. This announcement was made by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, via a post on the social media platform X on Sunday.
Wahab explained that the drainage channel, which is essential for deflooding the Bariga, Gbagada, Sholuyi downstream communities, and other nearby areas, has been obstructed by squatters and illegal structures. This blockage has significantly contributed to the recent flooding in the area, prompting the urgent notice to clear the channel and mitigate further flooding risks.
“The drainage channel which defloods Bariga, Gbagada, Sholuyi downstream communities and environs, and discharges into System 1 has been taken over by squatters who have constituted nuisance and security risks to the estate, and property owners who deliberately built to obstruct free flow of water in the area,” Wahab stated.
“Shanties were erected along the length of the channel, and their activities blocked collectors that are supposed to carry stormwater into the channel, which resulted in the flooding experienced during the week.”
Wahab added that following the expiration of the eviction notices, the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources will begin the removal of the illegal structures to restore proper drainage and mitigate flooding in the area.
This action comes after a 10-hour downpour on Wednesday that caused severe flooding in many parts of Lagos and Ogun states.
The heavy rain resulted in the collapse of a two-storey building in Mushin, halted vehicular movement on several roads, and disrupted business and commercial activities. Thousands of residents were affected, and many pupils were unable to attend school.
