TheCable

The Lagos government says it has stepped up flood control measures to mitigate the impact of above normal rainfall in the state.

Speaking during a media briefing on Tuesday, Tokunbo Wahab, commissioner for environment and water resources, said rainfall is expected to begin in the first week of April and cease in the first week of December in Lagos.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) in February, released its 2024 seasonal climate prediction (SCP). 

The commissioner explained that the average annual rainfall predicted for 2024 is 1936.2mm, which is higher than the long-term average of 1721.48mm.

According to him, Ikeja is expected to have an onset date of April 4 and cessation date of December 4, with about 1,900mm volume of rain expected.

He added that Badagry is expected to have an onset date of April 1 and cessation date of December 5, with 1,978mm volume expected, while Ikorodu’s onset date is April 4 and cessation date is December 4, with an expected volume of 1,903mm.

He urged residents to engage in environmentally-friendly lifestyles as the rains come pouring in. 

“Our state will continue to reap the benefits of a careful and rigorous execution of plans as our flood control measures are stepped up to contain any imminent rainfall,” Wahab said.

“The ministry has embarked on an all-year-round drainage maintenance programme for effective and efficient flood control, in addition to an efficient and sustainable solid waste management system.”

The commissioner added that the government will also maintain synergy with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority (OORBDA), while monitoring the rainfall from neighbouring Ogun, Oyo and Osun states. 

“Such occurrences can cause backflow resulting to flooding, but as soon as the Lagoon recedes, all the generated storm water will immediately be discharged and the roads will be free,” he said.