NDC candidate warns Lagos faces rising flood risk over blocked drains

Parts of Lagos face submersion within two to three decades if the state does not urgently address flooding, blocked drainage, and indiscriminate land reclamation, warned Ladipo Johnson, the National Democratic Congress candidate for Lagos Central Senatorial District. Johnson expressed deep concern over rising water levels in areas like Lagos Island, Marina, and the Lagoon, attributing the escalating flood risk to major engineering projects and land reclamation efforts that have impacted the state's drainage system.

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One of the first things to do is to look properly at what the issues are. When Ilubirin was being built, on the way to the Third Mainland Bridge, did they do a proper environmental impact survey? Did they look at it?

Johnson pointed to specific examples, such as the Ilubirin development and the impact of roads leading to the Third Mainland Bridge, where drainage paths have been obstructed. He noted that even from a layman's perspective, the blockage of these natural water channels is evident. "When you look at Lagos Island itself, especially around the marina and lagoon, you will observe that when you drive through a laid-back path towards the outer marina, you can see, even with your naked eye, that the water level is rising," he observed.

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So, how will the water drain out when most of the places have been blocked? I’m not an engineer. Don’t get me wrong. But I’m just saying, from a layman’s point of view, these things are there.

The candidate also highlighted the Eko Atlantic project as a significant engineering undertaking that requires a holistic assessment of its impact on the city's drainage. He warned that failure to address these issues could lead to significant portions of the city being "completely below" water levels in 20 to 30 years. The threat extends beyond Lagos Island to areas like Isale Eko, Lekki, Apapa, Surulere, and Ikate, where houses are reportedly sinking.

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And of course, not to seem like I am tackling anyone, we’ve had a gigantic engineering work to do there with the Eko Atlantic. So you have to look at everything in a holistic fashion.

Poor environmental practices by residents, including indiscriminate waste disposal in drainage paths, further exacerbate the flooding situation. Johnson called for greater public awareness and a change in behavior, stating, "Again, I think our people need to be cleaner." He observed that at night, filth from markets, particularly around the Nnamdi Azikiwe area, contributes to the problem, with items like plastic bottles and nylons found clogging drains.

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Otherwise, in about 20 to 30 years, we might find ourselves completely below.