The Lagos State government has assured the residents of communities in the coastline of Ogun River following reports of flooding experienced in these affected areas that it is well prepared for any eventuality.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab during a press briefing held on Friday.
Wahab assured residents of communities along the Ogun-Osun river bank that the State is prepared to contain any eventuality that may arise with the intensity of the flow of the runoff water from upland into Lagos.
The Commissioner also said it is important that homeowners within these areas relocate immedthe government capability to manage the flood and its consequences as against their anxiety and concerns.
He stated that from the statistics issued by the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, the total amount of rainfall recorded from January to October 15 of 2023 indicates that most of the expected rainfall in the area has fallen.
He explained that the volume of water released from January to October 15, 2023 is more than the average synthesized Annual Flow Volume of 1770Mcm against a Gross Storage of 2,274.0Mcm.
“For context on the severity of the issues, let me share with you the volumes of water flow through the Oyan Dam in the past few months; In July 2023, 418.9 million cubic meters of water was released; In August, that figure rose to 545.0 million cubic meters, September saw the release of 532.2 million cubic meters and as of October 15th, the flow has been averaging daily releases of 23.2 million cubic meters totaling 2,274Mcm,” he said.
Wahab said the height of the Oyan Dam reservoir has significantly dropped from 3.67m on the 6th of October to 1.02m on the 14th of October adding that this is in addition to 203.4mm of rainfall in July, 174.9mm in August, 362.6mm of rainfall in September and 170.8mm in October 2023.
He mentioned that as at the 15th of October, the peak of the expected rainfall in the month of October has already been experienced and the inflow from the upstream is reducing gradually saying this will eventually abate all issues of flooding that may be experienced in the upstream.
He said what was being experienced in Lagos presently is as a result of the residual water in the catchment of Ogun River which will recede with time; the rise in sea level has also reduced the inflow into the Lagoon.
He added that Government has been responsive to the situation with the step up of its multifaceted approach to mitigate the effects of the flooding.
He said the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) under Drainage Maintenance Department of the Ministry is working consistently on black spots and intervention of some critical tertiary drains to enable them discharge efficiently and act as retention basins.
He stated that the State Government remained committed to an all-year-round drainage maintenance, reclaiming drainage Right of Way, ensuring that the waterways are clean.
It will also ensure the dredging of primary and secondary channels/collectors in the State, expansion of existing drainage channels in order to contain more stormwater as well as the appointment of Resident Engineers/Drainage Maintenance Officers to oversee drainage matters in all the Local Governments/LCDA’s and report any additional unforeseen weather conditions.
”We recognize the need for better collaboration with the management of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Nigerian Meteorological Agency(NiMet), and Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) to manage the release of water from the dam more effectively”
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