The Lagos State Government announced yesterday that it has implemented measures to manage the significant volume of stormwater resulting from heavy rainfall across the state.
According to Vanguard, during a ‘Downscaling Workshop on the Seasonal Climate Predictions and Socio-Economic Implications for the State’ held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industries in Alausa, Ikeja, Mr. Olalekan Shodeinde, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Office of Drainage Services, addressed the issue. He emphasized that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Ministry had previously released the annual Seasonal Climate Predictions (SCP) to raise awareness among the public about the socio-economic impacts of the rainy season.
“We want to assure you that our state will continue to benefit from meticulous and thorough planning as we intensify our flood control measures to handle any potential rainfall,” stated Shodeinde, represented by Mr. Mahmood Adegbite, the Director of Drainage Enforcement and Compliance.
The Permanent Secretary encouraged residents to support the government’s efforts by regularly clearing drains in their vicinity to ensure the smooth flow of stormwater and by refraining from dumping waste into drainage channels.
During his presentation, Mr. Oyegade Adeleke, the Director General of NIMET, highlighted that the period from May to June is expected to see high-intensity rainfall, with an 80 percent likelihood of experiencing over 50mm of rain in a single day in Badagry, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Epe, Eti-Osa, Ibeju/Lekki, and Ikeja.