Lagos State’s urban regeneration aims to combat flooding and boost economic growth on the island. The project commences soon.
The Lagos State Government has announced the commencement of an ambitious urban regeneration initiative aimed at revitalising Lagos Island and its surrounding areas.
On Thursday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, revealed the plans during a tour of the island, emphasising the critical role a conducive environment plays in fostering economic growth.
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The commissioner highlighted the urgent need for urban renewal in response to the persistent flooding issues that have severely threatened both lives and properties in the region.
“We want to adopt a holistic approach,” Wahab stated, indicating that the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources would collaborate closely with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to ensure a comprehensive redevelopment of the area’s infrastructure.
Accompanying Wahab during the inspection were key figures including the Special Adviser on Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu; Special Adviser to the Office of Infrastructure, Olufemi Daramola; Permanent Secretary of the Office of Infrastructure, Lateef Somide; Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services, Mahamood Adegbite; and various directors from the ministry.
The regeneration project will focus on reconstructing 13 secondary collectors and two drainage outfalls, alongside upgrading several drainage channels.
In tandem, the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure will oversee road construction, ensuring that both projects progress simultaneously.
Wahab noted that the joint agreement with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure is essential for determining drainage levels, alignments, collector placements, and the depth and width of the channels involved.
“The construction of the roads will elevate them beyond their current levels, while the new tertiary drains will discharge into the collectors. These efforts aim to effectively eliminate flooding issues on the island,” he explained.
The commissioner assured the public that contractors would begin work immediately, promising that the projects would be delivered promptly to mitigate the longstanding flooding crisis.
Additionally, the inspection team visited Nnamdi Azikwe Road following public complaints regarding properties built over drainage channels.
Wahab stated that such buildings would be marked, with contravention notices issued to their owners.
He further warned that legal action would be taken against any property owners found guilty of encroaching upon these essential drainage systems.