Lagos commissioner warns against politicising flooding amid ongoing drainage interventions

Lagos State Government has defended its ongoing flood control and environmental management efforts, insisting that sustained interventions on drainage systems, wetlands and floodplains have considerably reduced the impact of heavy rainfall across the state despite the growing effects of climate change. The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the remarks on Saturday while […] Lagos govt defends flood control measures, warns against politicising rainfall crisis

The Lagos State Government has maintained that the ongoing interventions on drainage channels, wetlands and floodplains have significantly reduced the impact of heavy rainfall despite the effects of climate change, even as it cautioned critics against politicking. The post Don’t politicise flooding – Lagos govt warns critics appeared first on Vanguard News.

Lagos Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, says critics are politicising Lagos flooding, highlighting ongoing drainage interventions and reduced im Read More: https://punchng.com/critics-politicising-lagos-flooding-says-commissioner/

The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has accused critics of politicising recent flooding in the state, insisting that government interventions have significantly reduced the impact of heavy rainfall despite climate change challenges.Wahab made the remarks on Saturday during an inspection of drainage channels and flood-prone areas, including Oniru, Chevron Drive, Agungi-Ajiran, Freedom Road, and Orange Island. His comments followed flash floods earlier in the week that submerged parts of Lagos and sparked criticism of the state’s flood management efforts.He highlighted ongoing efforts such as clearing encroachments along drainage channels, banning Styrofoam and certain plastics, reclaiming wetlands, and expanding drainage infrastructure. Wahab noted that improvements were already visible after government officials overcame resistance from land grabbers around Chevron Drive.“Yes, they are politicising it, but that is what they want to do this season. They are not giving this team enough flowers for the work they have been doing. I know the effort they put in day and night,” Wahab said.He added that Lagos had taken proactive steps compared to other cities, citing Accra’s recent flooding and noting that Ghana was only beginning to adopt measures Lagos implemented three years ago.The commissioner also warned against illegal land reclamation projects that block discharge points into the lagoon, describing them as irresponsible. He stressed that the government was working with local councils to provide permanent engineering solutions and would continue prosecuting offenders caught dumping waste indiscriminately.Wahab revealed that the state plans to deploy 140–150 additional waste compactors and accelerate the transition to waste recovery systems, which he said would reduce pressure on drainage infrastructure and improve flood management.