LASG demands timely completion of drainage projects

The Lagos State Government has issued a directive to contractors handling drainage projects across the state to adhere to agreed timelines for completion.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said this during an inspection tour of Lagos Island, Somolu, and Iwaya to assess ongoing regeneration and flood control projects.

Wahab explained that the projects, jointly executed by the Office of Infrastructure, the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, and the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, are aimed at providing lasting relief from flooding and improving living conditions in the affected communities.

“I have given firm instructions to the contractors to stick to the agreed timelines and maintain top-quality standards,” Wahab said.

“We also visited Iwaya and the UNILAG–Lagoon confluence to address recurring flood challenges. This axis will receive priority attention in next year’s budget, with major canals and drainages to be dredged for proper water discharge,” he added.

According to him, the various projects have different completion timelines.

“Some of the projects come with road constructions, but we are fully on course. Julius Berger is doing what has to be done. The Ministry of Environment is doing what has to be done. LASURA and the Ministry of Urban and Regional Planning are doing what has to be done, and we are in sync.

All we just want to ensure is that the contractors keep to the timeline and the quality of the job is guaranteed,” he added.

Wahab further noted that the ministry’s team regularly visits the project sites to monitor progress and ensure community involvement, urging residents to promptly report any irregularities to the ministry.

He also directed that all environmental black spots around Iwaya—including areas harbouring street trading, illegal shanties, and indiscriminate waste disposal—be cleared immediately.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on E-GIS and Urban Development, Dr Olajide Babatunde, who was part of the inspection team, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to timely project delivery.

He said the contractor, Tzipium Nigeria Limited, was set to commence construction on Monday once the Ministry of the Environment completes its preparatory work in the Binuyo area.

The team visited key project locations, including Ajoke Street/Iya Omolere/Shogunro Village (System 2, Somolu Canal, Lagos Mainland Axis), System 3B1 Majaro–Iwaya, and Princess Street/Isale Gangan, Lagos Island.

Those on the inspection team included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu; Permanent Secretaries, Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji, and Drainage Services, Mahamood Adegbite; KAI Corps Marshal, Major Olatunbosun Cole (retd.), and the General Manager,  Lagos State Waste Water Management Office, Adefemi Afolabi.