Following the release of an updated 2023 Water Releases Forecast for Flood Control by the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority effective September and the high rainfall being experienced as predicted, the Lagos State Government, on Sunday, alerted residents, especially those within the downstream of the Ogun River, of the likelihood of experiencing flood from this month.
According to a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Lekan Shodeinde, the affected catchment areas include Alagbole, Meiran, Maidan, Kara, Isheri-Olowora, Agiliti, Owode-Onirin, Owode-Elede, Agboyi I, Agboyi II, Ajegunle, Itowolo, Majidun, Ibeshe, Baiyeku, Maidan and Lekki-Ajah axis.
Shodeinde stated that the utmost concern of the state government is the safety of the lives and properties of residents, urging residents and property owners in the listed areas to be ready to move upland when the water level rises showing signs of flooding just as it is advisable to all residents across the state.
The Permanent Secretary said the water levels of all tributaries including the Oyan Dam are rising and is one of the contributory factors to the possibility of the likely flooding at the downstream flow of the Ogun River.
The state government had in August alerted residents of Apapa, Badagry, Eti Osa, Ikeja, Ikorodu, Ikoyi, Lagos Island, and Ojo to prepare for very heavy rainfalls which may result in flash flooding.
“Relying on a flood alert advisory issued by the Flood Emergency Warning System Central Hub of the Federal Ministry of the Environment, Shodeinde urged all residents of listed areas to be vigilant and watchful about rainfalls during and after the periods,” Shodeinde had said.
