Samuel Babatunde Adejare, who disclosed this in a statement, urged residents in these areas not to hesitate to move to higher grounds once they notice gradual accumulation of rising water as the State is not ready to lose any life during the period.
To avert imminent flooding and loss of lives and property along Ogun River plain, Lagos State Government has warned residents to take precautionary measures, which may include vacating their residences temporarily.
Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Samuel Babatunde Adejare, who disclosed this in a statement, urged residents in these areas not to hesitate to move to higher grounds once they notice gradual accumulation of rising water as the State is not ready to lose any life during the period.
Adejare, who hinged this warning on commencement of seasonal water releases by the management of Oyan Dam, explained that the controlled water releases from the dam was a pragmatic approach of the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority to prevent overflow and possible integrity failure of the Oyan Dam.
According to him, the dam could spell doom for people around the catchment of the river basin as it portend endanger to lives and property, especially to the people living along the plains of the Ogun River in Lagos State.
According to him, the controlled release of water from the Oyan Dam was the outcome of the collaboration between the Lagos State Government and the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Authority to forestall possible collapse of the dam.
“The controlled water releases have become expedient as a result of the weather forecast and the continuous heavy rainfall which is likely to resume later in the month”, he said.
He therefore advised those residing along plains of Ogun River in Lagos State such as Ajegunle, Owode-Onirin axis, Owode-Elede, Isheri North, Ogolonto, Irawo etc. to be extremely careful and take precautionary measures which may include vacating their residences temporarily.
He also emphasised that primary and secondary channels in the State were being maintained and dredged to contain flood related challenges
that may occur in the State.
The Environment Commissioner also advised Lagosians to be safety conscious during this period and urged them to take some safety measures like avoiding going out during the rains except only when it is absolutely necessary as well as being conscious when driving and do not over speed.
He assured that the State Government would continue to intensify efforts geared at achieving the zero tolerance to flooding in Lagos.
