The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tunji Bello, has warned residents against dumping of refuse in drains, saying the action could aggravate the problem of flooding in the state.
He noted that measures had been put in place to address the challenges trailing incessant rainfall as witnessed in the state in the last three days.
A statement on Thursday said Bello spoke after inspecting some of the major drainage systems in the state.
The commissioner, who was with the Special Adviser on Drainage and Water Resources, Joe Igbokwe, during the inspection, said irrespective of the volume of rainfall, water would still flow through the drains and discharge into the various channels in the state.
“He reminded the people of the executive order signed by the governor on zero tolerance for indiscriminate dumping of refuse, warning against acts that could aggravate flooding, such as indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the drains, as well as erecting of structures on drainage lines and alignments.
“The commissioner stated that while relevant government agencies are on the alert for any unforeseen incident, residents too must be vigilant and promptly report cases of indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels and unauthorised places, as well as other incidents of drainage blockage to the relevant government agencies.
“Bello also advised Lagosians to be safety conscious during this period, urging them to take safety measures, including not going out in the rain except when absolutely necessary and being conscious when driving and not speeding,” the statement added.
According to the statement, he stressed that Lagosians residing along flood plains and lowlands should be ready to move for their own safety.
Igbokwe was said to have advised residents not to panic, adding that the torrential rainfall in state was a result of climate change and had been predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.
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