The Lagos State Government has warned residents against clogging drains with refuse in order to prevent flooding and the loss of lives and property that could result from it.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Public-Private Partnerships, Mr Ope George, gave this warning in a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday.
George noted that the recent flooding and subsequent loss of lives would have been avoidable if all residents had heeded the advice not to block drainages with waste.
He said, “We are all aware that Lagos is vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The rains are here again, and the weather forecasts have shown that we should expect a lot of rain this year. Clogging the drains with silt and refuse puts all of us at risk of preventable flooding and attendant threat to lives and property during the rainy season.
“Therefore, let us desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse on water channels. Motorists should also avoid driving through flooded areas during rainfall in order to prevent avoidable accidents and loss of lives.”
George further explained that a good environment will raise the quality of life for citizens and promote foreign investments.
“Flood control is a key component of the THEMES agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration because a flood-free Lagos is critical to the realisation of the Greater Lagos vision.
“A good environment will promote the inflow of foreign and local investments as well as raise the quality of life for Lagos residents. So, as citizens, we must play our part by ensuring we clean, clear, and dredge our drains and major collectors for the proper discharge of rain waters,” he added.
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