In a proactive effort to prevent flooding and tackle drainage blockages in Surulere, Lagos State, a major clearing exercise of the System V Drainage canal along Alhaji Masha Road was carried out on Wednesday.
The initiative was led by the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, who was represented by the Ministry’s Resident Engineer, Olubisi Olowokere; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Barr. Barakat Odunuga-Bakare and the Mayor of Surulere, Hon. Sulaimon Yusuf Bamidele.
The exercise, according to Odunuga-Bakare, is to ensure the free flow of water and liquid waste through the drainage system, thereby reducing the persistent flooding that has affected Surulere. She noted that the drainage clearing, championed by the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, marks the first of a series of planned interventions to make Surulere flood-free and provide a safer, environmentally friendly living environment for its residents.
The Special Adviser, who is also a member of Surulere Constituency, said that the ongoing efforts are part of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s broader agenda to maintain Lagos as a sustainable megacity.
However, the gesture of the top government officials has been commended by Surulere residents, particularly for the swift response and timely intervention.
The clearance initiative is expected to significantly mitigate the impact of heavy rains and contribute to better housing conditions across the local council area.
