The Lagos State Government has mobilised six contractors to work on the drainage network in Surulere area of the metropolis before the advent of the rains in order to ensure minimal flooding in the area.

Messrs Fortra Services is working on the rectangular drain at Gbajumo Street to properly channel storm water from Gbajumo, Curtis and Adamu Orisha streets, as well as part of Jalupon Close.

Messrs Dredging and Construction Alternative is handling the construction of the drainage channel at Itolo, Johnson, Abosede Kuboye, Imam Dauda and Akinsemoyin streets; while the construction of Owolabi/Adetola collection drain is being handled by Messrs Dekam Ventures to control flooding in Adetola Owolabi and Ashiribo Alimi streets and environs.

Messrs Niran Nigeria Limited is working on Akorede Market/Adeshina Street, Agunlejika and Itire/Ikate drainage. The 1,800 rectangular drains under construction will serve Ijesha Road, part of Pako Aguda, Omilani, Odi Olowu and Adeshina streets, as well as Agunlejika, Akorede Market and Lord’s Chosen Church.

There is also a proposal for the construction of the Gbajumo collector drain, while another drainage channel will link the Itire Road/Owolewa/Akerele collector drain to free Ansarudeen High School, Ansarudeen Grammar School and Falolu Street of floods.

Work is equally ongoing on a collector drain between Ilu-Eri and Brewery, which will serve Apapa Road, Olaleye, Iponri, Ojo Oniyun and Western Avenue.

The Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, who led other officials of his ministry on a tour of some of the projects on Thursday, directed that the encroachment on a section of the Surulere drainage network BAGCO and Flour Mills must be resolved quickly before the rain commenced.

Bello described as “environmental aberration” the opening of illegal access road by artisans under the Eko Bridge and the emergence of illegal settlement behind Fountain High School, Babas Animashaun/Olatunde Onimole area of Surulere.

The Commissioner, while expressing satisfaction with the extent of jobs done so far, asked the contractors to ensure that they completed their assignments on schedule.

He said while reacting to the poor sanitary habit of some residents and industrial concerns, “Our mission is to ensure that Lagos is free from floods this year and subsequent years. But a situation in which some elements in the society will want to do whatever they like, thereby sabotaging government’s efforts will not be allowed.

“Therefore, we are appealing to everybody, including the corporate organisations to ensure that they don’t do anything that will cause a face-off between them and the government.”

Bello said the increased pace of drainage construction and dredging across the state was necessary in order to reduce the incidence of flooding this year and surpass last year’s record of containing floods.