By Idris Olukoya
Mr Sesan Olowa, Chairman, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area (LCDA) has restated his administration commitment in intensifying efforts to provide lasting solutions to the flood affecting several communities within the area.
Olowa said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.
He said communities, including Ibeju, Orimedu, Lakowe, Awoyaya, Abijo, Oribanwa and Bogije, among others, had experienced varying degrees of flooding, following the heavy rainfall witnessed in recent weeks.
“Our administration is fully committed to tackling the recurring flooding challenges across the affected communities.
“We have intensified drainage clearance, opened blocked waterways and are collaborating with relevant state agencies to provide sustainable solutions,” he said.
He added that the council had also embarked on routine desilting of drainage channels and sensitisation campaigns, to discourage residents from indiscriminate waste disposal, which contributes significantly to blocked drainage systems.
“Flood control is a collective responsibility. While government continues to invest in infrastructure, residents must avoid dumping refuse into drains and canals, because such practices worsen flooding,” he said.
Olowa said the council was working closely with the state government, emergency management agencies and community leaders, to identify flood-prone locations requiring urgent intervention.
According to him, engineers and environmental officers have been directed to carry out continuous assessment of drainage infrastructure, to ensure prompt response whenever flooding occurs.
“We are maintaining close collaboration with relevant government agencies to ensure permanent engineering solutions are implemented in the most vulnerable communities.
“The safety and wellbeing of our residents remain our priority,” he said.
The council chairman urged residents living in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant, heed weather advisories issued by relevant authorities and promptly report blocked drainage channels to the council, for immediate action.
“Our administration will continue to prioritise environmental sanitation, improve drainage infrastructure and strengthen emergency response mechanisms to minimise the impact of flooding on lives and property,” he said.
He reassured residents that the council would sustain ongoing environmental interventions as part of its commitment to protecting lives, property and promoting cleaner, safer and healthier environment, across the LCDA.
“I can understand the pains the affected communities are going through because I entered a motorcycle to witness the situation across the communities.
“I assured my people of government swift intervention in mitigating the flooding challenges in affected communities across the council area,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng).