Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s governorship candidate in Lagos, has condemned the state government’s response to the recent flooding in the state, calling their solutions “pedestrian”.
He spoke on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, a day after torrential rains left cars and houses submerged and millions of commuters stranded.
He questioned the government’s waste management policy, asking how they have implemented it at the local government level and created incentives for people to manage their waste.
He also asked about the government’s efforts to cover gutters, localise canal management systems, and involve CDAs and local governments in flood management.
Rhodes-Vivour’s criticism comes as the state faces frequent flooding, which he believes requires more effective solutions than the government’s current approach.
“The solutions that we have seen with this state government in the last 24 years have been very pedestrian,” he said on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.
“You have your gutters, don’t dump waste in your gutters but what is your waste management policy? How have you brought it down to your local government? How have you created incentives for people to manage their waste because it can be converted to wealth?
“How have you covered your gutters? How have you localised your canal management systems? How have you gotten your CDAs and local governments involved? We have a situation whereby local governments are just extensions of political parties. They don’t have a scheme in the game.”
He added; “Dealing with flooding in Lagos requires a forward-thinking approach tied to public policy and town planning. We need to adopt sponge cities initiatives, proper waste management policy, and technology for early warnings, rapid response, and emergency protocols.
“The blame game can’t continue. These flooding are costing citizens millions in damaged cars and properties, and we must elevate the conversation. beyond clearing gutters to a more holistic and pragmatic approach.”
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