June 18, 2015 – The Lagos State Government has dedicated a telephone number 08099183777 for residents to notify the state government about flood related issues in their streets, neighbourhood and highways.
Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Ayodeji Adenekan made this known in his Office in Alausa, emphasizing that the State Government would not relent on its efforts towards achieving a flood free Lagos.
He stated that the telephone line was strictly for “Short Message Service known as SMS and WHATSAPP, a social media platform to be used for pictorial complaints on flood matters, adding that calls would not be received on the line.
According to him, “the State Government has embarked on its mid-rain de-flooding programme which involves dredging, de-silting, clearing and cleaning of drainage channels/canals across the state for smooth running of storm water”.
He pointed out that drains were constructed to accommodate only storm water anf for ease of discharge within its catchment area.
The Permanent Secretary stressed that dumping of refuse in the drains would not only block the drains but cause constriction within the drains, thereby reducing the rate of discharge and ultimately preventing discharge.
According to him such unwholesome practice also encouraged rapid growth of weeds inside the drains and consequently makes maintenance very difficult and expensive.
Engr. Adenekan called on Lagosians to join hands with government to ensure a flood-free state by reporting anyone found dumping in canals and drainages through the dedicate telephone number, desist from displaying wares /goods on drainages and stop erecting building on drainage/channel among others.
“As a government that wants the best for its citizenry we will not rest on our oars and we would continue to embark on the best practice of flood management in the state,” he said.
