The Social Democratic Party (SDP) on Tuesday urged Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu embark on urgent and permanent flood mitigation plan in Lagos to alleviate suffering of residents.
The State SDP Chairman and 2027 Governorship Candidate, Mr Femi Olaniyi, popularly known Ferrari, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.
Olaniyi, a former State Chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC),spoke against the backdrop of the increasing heavy rainfall and attendant flooding in several communities in the state.
“Sunday’s April 28 heavy rainfall and the rainfall today(Tuesday) once again exposed Lagos residents to preventable flooding across several parts of the state.
“The government of Gov. Babajide Sanwoolu must embark on urgent and permanent flood mitigation plan to end nightmares residents are currently facing,” Olaniyi said.
According to him, flooding in Lagos is no longer unexpected, hence there should be concerted efforts to address it and prevent unfortunate loses.
He said that the meteorological agencies had predicted more intense rains this season.
“Yet, we continue to see blocked drainage channels, abandoned canal dredging projects, indiscriminate building on flood plains, and a waste management system that cannot keep up.
“Lagos residents deserve foresight, not firefighting,” he said.
Advising the governor, Olaniyi who noted that the government must declare a flood emergency action plan, said, ‘”Let us audit, clear, and desilt all primary and secondary drainage channels across the 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs before the peak of the rainy season.
“Let us enforce the Lagos State Drainage Masterplan. We must stop the culture of approvals on wetlands and drainage setbacks.”
He urged the government to demolish and reclaim “only where human lives are at risk, but with humane resettlement”.
Calling for investment in sustainable infrastructure, the chairman urged Sanwo-Olu to, “fast-track the construction of retention basins, pump stations, and green infrastructure in flood-prone corridors, especially Ikorodu, Ojo, Amuwo-Odofin, and Lekki-Ajah axis.”
He called for a community-based early warning and waste enforcement as well as accountability and transparency in flood related budgetary allocation.
Olaniyi added: “Partner with community leaders for weekly drain clearing, and strictly enforce anti-dumping laws. A clean drain is the first line of defense.
“The rains ahead will not wait for committees. With climate projections showing increased rainfall intensity in the coming months, a permanent solution is now a matter of survival, not politics.”
The chairman commiserated with families who lost homes, businesses, and valuables to the incessant rainfall and flooding.
According to him, the SDP will mobilise volunteers to support relief efforts in the worst-hit communities.
He said that Lagos of every resident’s dream could work with a government that plans ahead of the rain.
The candidate said the SDP would treat flood control as critical infrastructure — like roads, power, and health,if given the opportunity to govern the state.
“We will build a Lagos that is resilient, clean, and prepared,” he said. NAN