- Residents hail Wahab, say “this Is government that works”
By our Correspondent
The Lagos State Government has deployed a new swamp buggy to Ogombo Canal in Eti-Osa LGA, Awoyaya, and Iponri in Surulere LGA as part of efforts to check flooding amid persistent rains.
The Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources said the equipment will reinforce ongoing desilting and channelisation works to widen and deepen drainage networks for faster storm water flow. Similar machines have also been moved to Gbetu/Iwerekun behind Mayfair Garden in Ajah.
According to the Ministry, the intervention is part of a broader flood management strategy for immediate relief and long-term resilience in flood-prone areas. Deployment, officials said, was data-driven.
“Ogombo Canal is a major outfall, so clearing it has a multiplier effect on adjoining communities. We are not waiting for disaster,” a senior official stated.
The Ministry reaffirmed commitment to protecting lives and property, and urged LGAs and LCDAs to intensify clearing of tertiary drains within streets and estates.
Residents welcomed the move and commended the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, Permanent Secretary (Drainage) Mr. Olakunle Adegbite, and Director of Drainage Maintenance, Engr. Jolaoso Sunbo.
Mr. Tajudeen Ayanwale of Awoyaya said: “The Commissioner is doing a good job. You can see what he has done this rainy season. He rose to the occasion.”
Mrs. Ada Chukwuemeka from Iponri added: “Lagos is becoming a centre of excellence again. I appeal to Lagosians to stop dumping refuse in drains.”
Trader Tunde at Ogombo noted the economic benefit: “Last year water destroyed N400,000 worth of goods in my shop. This year, because they cleared early, the water passed quickly.”
Community leaders asked that the exercise be sustained beyond the rainy season. “Continuous clearing will save us. Let them come even in dry season,” said Mrs. Yetunde Balogun of Iponri.
The Ministry disclosed that more swamp buggy deployments are planned across the 5 IBILE divisions to increase drainage capacity by at least 30% in vulnerable areas before peak rains.
Officials stressed that while government provides machines, residents must stop dumping waste and building on drainage channels.
“Government can provide the machines, but every Lagosian must become a drainage officer in their own street,” said Adegbite.
With the swamp buggy now working in Ogombo, the message is clear: the state is present, but total partnership is needed to end perennial flooding.
