LASEMA Intensifies campaign against flooding

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, has taken its advocacy against flooding themed: “Flood Free Lagos 2023, Building Resilience is our Collective Responsibility” to Eti-Osa Local Government Area in Lagos Central Senatorial District.

Addressing representatives of Commmunity Development Associations who converged on the Council Secretariat at Igbo-Efon, LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Femi Oke-Osanyintolu stressed that it is imperative for residents to continue to abide by environmental rules and regulations as the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration has invested a lot in safe-guarding lives and properties.

Noting that Eti Osa is vulnerable to ocean surge and flooding, Dr Oke-Osanyintolu pointed out that if the drainage systems are kept free of refuse, there would be no casualty during heavy rains.

“Following the flooding experienced in 2007 and 2011, the State has boost its flood resilience and If we the people do the needful, there will be no emergency and mortality during heavy rainfalls. What we have when it is raining is flashflood, if we stay indoors, keep the water channels free, the loss if there is any, will be minimal, i therefore appeal to you to let is do it together, it is our collective responsibility” Oke-Osanyintolu said.

Earlier in an address of welcome, the Supervisor for the environment in the Council Area, Mr. Sharafa Balogun explained that though Eti-Osa is in the middle of the Lagoon and prone to flooding during the rainy season, the Local Government had been doing its best to sensitize residents against indiscriminate dumping of refuse.

In their remarks, the members of the CDA’s explained that the drainage systems in Eti-Osa have become small as a result of population growth and appealed to government to expand them, while urgent actions should also be paid to the activities of sand dredgers.

The Sensitization campaign by LASEMA is part of concerted efforts to curb adverse effects of flooding in Lagos as the rainy season peaks.

Already, the Agency had taken the campaign to Lagos West Senatorial Fistricy and will soon visit flood prone areas in the Lagos East Senatorial District to sensitize residents.