Sunday turned into a day of distress for residents and motorists across Lagos and Ogun states as torrential rains unleashed havoc, leaving roads submerged and communities in disarray.
Areas such as Agege, Akowonjo, and Egbeda in Lagos, alongside Mayegun junction area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Akute, Lotto, Pakuro, and Ijere in Ogun State, bore the brunt of the relentless downpour. Stranded motorists and residents faced with the aftermath of flooding that rendered roads impassable.
In Agege’s Mobil area, the entire road succumbed to floodwaters, halting all vehicular movement. Similarly, the Egbeda-Ikotun road faced significant disruption, particularly at crucial points like the Baba Oba and Car Wash ends.
Residents and commuters voiced frustrations over the recurring menace of flooding during the rainy season. Grace Ayinde, a commuter, remarked, “Flooding is a regular occurrence in this area. Whenever it rains, economic activities will be grounded because some of the water will spread into people’s shops.”
Despite ongoing construction efforts to improve drainage systems in some areas, such as the flooded parts of Egbeda, the effectiveness of these measures are being questioned, a commuter said “We complained about the flooding, and the government started to work on the drainage, but the work has stopped halfway,’’.
Affected communities, including Lotto, Pakuro, and Ijere, attribute the flooding to inadequate drainage infrastructure and are urging local authorities to take swift action. Mrs. Ogechi, a resident, pleaded for government intervention, saying, “We are tired. I went to church today driving very fine, and now I can’t get back home; everywhere is swampy.”
The repercussions of the flooding are expected to extend beyond inconvenience, impacting businesses and daily commutes. Business owners have also warned of potential disruptions: “From Monday, there will be movements as a result of people going to work and businesses; this flood will slow down traffic movements and businesses.”
The Ogun State Ministry of Environment has assured residents of assistance through a feedback mechanism, urging them to report flooding incidents promptly. A source within the ministry explained, “Once the government is aware of a flooding situation, they will find solutions to it. Now, we have a feedback mechanism through a programme where people can always phone in to inform the government about their challenges about flooding.”
