…warns residents against dumping refuse on drains
Lagos State Government has predicted a high density amount of rainfall in the state, starting from April 6, in the island, Ikeja and other parts of the state.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tunji Bello, who disclosed this, during a briefing on the 2022 seasonal climate predictions and socio-economic implications for the state available to The Trumpet, noted that Lagos Island is expected to have a rainfall onset date as April 6, cessation date as November 30 and a total rainfall amount of 1627mm.
He stressed that the peculiarity of Lagos, as a coastal state and its strategic position as the economic hub of the nation, has necessitated the need to disseminate crucial information on the 2022 climate prediction to prepare people ahead for the likely consequences of the rains and other relevant weather parameters.
According to him, the rainfall prediction for Lagos is a normal rainfall amount, however, the rainfall from neighbouring Ogun and Osun States, dams released and rivers flowing into the state will also be monitored.
The commissioner stressed that Ikeja is expected to have a rainfall onset date of 17th March, while cessation date is December 3, with a total amount of 1392mm as specifically highlighted by NiMet.
According to him, the predicted onset, cessation and rainfall amount of 2022 is similar to the prediction for 2021, hence the implication is that we are anticipating experiencing a rain pattern of high intensity and frequency similar to that of 2021.
The commissioner also warned residents against indiscriminate dumping of plastic wastes into the drains, which he said also leads to flooding.
According to him, each time ‘our men, especially operatives of the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) clear the drains, what they evacuate are different plastics wastes and Styrofoam’, which are all non-bio-degradable.
Bello stressed that the administration of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has recently approved a plastic waste policy for the state, which is one of the proactive measures to reduce the prevalence of plastic waste and also create a circular economy for plastic waste.
He urged Lagosians to report cases of drainage blockages, dumping of waste into canals and other unauthorized places to our Resident Engineers and zero tolerance offices statewide.
Bello also called for caution as strong winds are expected during the onset and cessation of every rainfall just as envisaged harmattan are predicted which may cause reduction in visibility and bring about flight disruption and loss of revenue due to delays and cancellations in the aviation sector.
He said: “It should be noted that the construction of our network of weather stations has commenced and will soon reach completion stage.
“This would assist us to monitor the weather in our State as well as increase our preparedness for weather weather-related
“The Ministry is also consolidating on its collaboration with NiMet in the area of annual seasonal climate predictions, which have been very valuable as a vital weather and early warning tool for farmers, planners, decision decision-macerators of the various sectors and businesses that are likely to be impacted by the annual rainfall patterns.
” We want to assure you that our state will continue to reap the gains of careful and rigorous planning and execution, as our flood control measures are being stepped up to contain any imminent heavy rainfalls.
“Towards ensuring a flood-free and hygienic environment in the state, the ministry has embarked on an all-round drainage maintenance for effective and efficient flood control, in addition to an efficient and sustainable solid waste management system.
“In the same vein, we are determined to maintain the long-established synergy and partnership with Ogun-Oshun River Basin Authority (OORBDA), which has ensured control and monitoring of the steady and systemic release of water from Oyan Dam to prevent flooding of the downstream reaches of Ogun River.”
Read Also: Diezani forfeits Oniru land to Govt after multiple seizures
The commissioner stressed that communities like Agiliti, Agboyi, Itowolo and Ajegunle communities in Lagos State were being closely monitored with concerninglikelihood of Ogun River flooding as well as all other river basins in the State.
“These places may also be highly vulnerable to heavy flooding this year. To forestall the incidences of collapse of telecommunication masts, occasioned by high velocity of the wind, expected during the onset and cessation of every rainfall, Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) will as usual be on the alert to ensure advertising and communication agencies comply with regulations on safety of billboards and telecommunication masts.
“All emergency agencies, responders and Traffic Management outfits are also on standby to assist in reducing the negative impact of thunderstorms associated with rainfall in the state,” he added.
