The Lagos State Government on Sunday stated that the ongoing removal of all contravening structures under the system 1 drainage channel midstream (Odo Iya Alaro) Ojota and Ogudu, will address major flooding issues on the mainland and its environs.

State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab stated this.

He made the assertion when he alongside the SA Environment, Tokunbo Wahab led the management on an inspection tour to the enforcement sites to ascertain the level of compliance by property owners and extent of work.

He explained that the System 1 was established in 1974 and it is the biggest and widest Primary Channel that defloods the major parts of the mainland which cut across Ogudu, Ojota, Ifako, Gbagada, Maryland, adding that the flyover bridge coming from Odo Iyaalaro will cut across these areas.

Wahab stressed that the Government had been having discussions with property owners / residents since year 2021 and the conversation ended in November 2023, stating that contravention notices have been served to owners of buildings lying within the 140 metres of System 1 since year 2021.

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“We found out that people have gone back to encroach on the right of way and alignments. Since 2021, we have been engaging the homeowners and residents where government has been notifying them of impending enforcement without which we cannot abate flooding,” he said.

The Commissioner  explained that property owners whose buildings fall within the approved 140 meters Right of Way of the channel had been given the option of voluntary compliance for almost three years now.