Following a 10-hour downpour that caused widespread flooding in Lagos State, the Federal Government has ordered the desilting of drainages along federal roads to mitigate the issue.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, gave the directive to address the “localized flooding” affecting certain sections of federal roads in the city.
According to The PUNCH, the Federal Controller of Works, Lagos State, Olukorede Kesha, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday.
Kesha, clarified that while Lagos is not experiencing widespread flooding, localized flooding has impacted specific areas.
She said, “We wish to clarify that contrary to some reports, Lagos is not experiencing widespread submergence from floodwaters.
“However, the ministry acknowledges that localised flooding has affected certain sections of federal roads within the city.
“The minister has directed the desilting of drains along federal roads in the state with a view to deflooding the highways .
“Our teams are currently deployed to assess the situation while the desilting of drains along the affected roads are currently being carried out.
“The ministry understands the inconvenience caused by these flash floods and is committed to eliminating the disruptions caused thereafter.”
On Wednesday, the heavy rain caused significant disruptions, including the collapse of a two-storey building in Mushin, gridlocked roads, and thousands of residents stranded. Many areas, such as Iyana-Oworo, Agege, Ijegun-Isheri Osun, Gbagada, and Lagos Island, were severely flooded.
