Debo
The Lagos State Government on Thursday alerted residents that this year, the state is expected to experience an above-normal annual rainfall predicted at 1936.2mm, which will start in the first week of April and cease in December.
According to the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello, who spoke at the 2023 Press Briefing on Seasonal Climate Predictions and its Socio-Economic implications for Lagos held at Alausa, the 1936.2mm amount of rainfall predicted for 2023 was greater than the long-term average of 1721.48mm experienced in the state in the last 10 years.
He added that according to the Prediction released by the Nigerian Metrological Services, the State is predicted to experience an average to slightly above average rainfall amount and an elongated season length.
He stated that Ikeja is expected to have an annual amount of 1900mm while Badagry will experience 1978mm of rainfall.
Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Epe are expected to have rainfall with annual amounts of 1903mm, 1936mm, and 1952mm, respectively, with onset dates of the 1st of April and cessation of the 3rd of December 2023.
“It is also expected that the recent increase in the frequency of extreme weather events will continue in 2023, with days of extremely high rainfall amounts that may result in flooding, largely because strong winds are expected during the onset and cessation of each rainfall”.
He listed contributory factors to flooding, including the rise in the Lagoon level as a result of high tidal movement, which may “lock up” the discharge points of drainage channels and until the Lagoon recedes, there will be no discharge, allowing the backflows and all the generated stormwater to immediately discharge, and the roads becoming free.
He explained that it is normal to have occasional flash floods when it rains, which would percolate rapidly just like it’s been experienced worldwide, adding that it is only when rain storm water remains on the roads for hours that it can be reported as flooding.
He said the Ministry not only collaborates with NiMet annually in the Prediction, which serves as an early warning tool for all those concerned, but the Government had plans to downscale the National Seasonal Climate Prediction for stakeholders locally.
He said the State had increased the preparedness for weather and flood-related issues by deploying its network of weather stations and river gauge stations to monitor the weather across the state and to monitor incoming rainfall stormwater from neighbouring states such as Ogun, Oyo, and Osun that may result in increased water levels.
He added that the Ministry continues to embark on all-year-round drainage maintenance for effective flood control and a sustainable solid waste management system, saying this year would not be different.
The Commissioner stressed that the government has continued to maintain the synergy and partnership with the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) to contain flooding in the state effectively.
He added that OORBDA ensures the steady and systemic release of water from Oyan Dam to prevent flooding of the downstream reaches of the Ogun River, saying the relationship has been highly beneficial and would be sustained.
He said Government had intensified its enlightenment efforts to sensitize residents in coastal and low-lying areas of the State such as Agiliti, Agboyi, Itowolo, and Ajegunle, amongst others to relocate to upland to avert loss of lives and property when the need arises.
He advised residents to report cases of drainage blockages and illegal dumping of waste on unauthorized places to the Resident/Drainage Engineers and zero tolerance offices that are available in all 57 Local Governments Areas and Local Council Development Areas during and after the rainy season.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Drainage and Water Resources Engr. Joe Igbokwe noted that Lagos would not relent in its efforts in environmental management even as people move into the state in large numbers.
He said government is determined to continually manage flooding across the state even as it is a coastal city adding that Lagosians should refrain from acts that can lead to flash flooding.
In his remarks the Permanent Secretary, Ministry Office of Drainage Services, Engr Nurudeen Shodeinde said the Ministry will be introducing Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) which will make use of nature, using man-made features such as soak-aways, ponds and gently sloping channels (Swales) to attenuate and treat urban runoff.
He said the densely built and fully paved ground surface which is rampant in Lagos have distorted the normal hydrological cycle in the state and has given rise to increase surface runoff ultimately resulting in flood incidences.
He advised Lagosians to continue to support the efforts of Government by regularly clearing the drains in their frontage, he urged motorists to refrain from driving through flood as this can result in submerging of vehicles and loss of lives.
