Assembly calls for clearing of drainages

The House also resolved to call on the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, to brief the lawmakers on preparations made by the agency before, during and after the rains.

The Assembly further resolved to call on the Ministry of Information and Strategy to intensify, sensitise and embark on advocacy programmes to ensure that drainages in the state are cleared to prevent flooding.

This motion was raised under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’ by the lawmaker representing Alimosho II at the Assembly, Kehinde Joseph, who stated that the flooding experience in his constituency had become alarming.

Joseph noted that the flood had damaged houses while other buildings were submerged thereby rendering many residents homeless and property destroyed.

Stressing that drainages and canals have not been properly channelled, Joesph said, “Though the causes of the flood have been natural and man-made, there is a need for Ministries, Departments and Agencies to be proficient in their duties.”

Also speaking, Sanni Okanlawon said the issue of flooding had been recurrent. He suggested the need for proper structure to be put in place and relevant ministries made to take up their responsibilities.

Ladi Ajomale, in his own contribution, said flooding in his constituency was disheartening, while Yishawu Gbolahan suggested the need for a summit where relevant stakeholders would share ideas and come up with lasting solutions.

The Deputy Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, who presided over the plenary, urged the relevant agencies to expedite action, calling on each of the local governments to do the needful while urging the Lagos Waste Management Agency to be ready to cart away waste.

Meanwhile, the House, on Tuesday, also confirmed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s nominee, Tolani Akibu, whose name was initially stepped down by the lawmakers last week.