Floods inundate Lagos and Ogun roads, stranding motorists and residents

Residents and motorists were stranded in several areas of Lagos and Ogun states on Sunday after hours of heavy rainfall, with major roads flooded.

Our reporter visited Ageg, Akowanjo and Egbeda areas of Lagos, as well as Mayegun Interchange on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, as well as Akute, Luo, Ogun State. In To, Pacuro, Ijere and other places, motorists and residents were found stranded for several hours due to heavy downpour.

According to our reporter, the entire road in Mobile, Aje area of ​​Lagos State was flooded, making it impossible for drivers to cross the flooded area to reach their destination.

Also, commuters and motorists were busy traveling on the Egbeda-Ikotun road as floodwaters inundated the Baba Oba and Car Wash ends of the road. It also caused traffic congestion in the area as vehicles moved slowly through the flooded stretch of road.

Traffic jams gradually intensified, with vehicles sometimes staying in single lanes to avoid falling into gullies. A similar situation was seen in Akowonjo area, where roads were flooded and vehicles moved slowly.

However, residents and road users lamented the development while describing it as a common sight during the monsoon.

One of the commuters, Grace Ayinde, said: “Flooding is a regular occurrence in the area. Whenever it rains, economic activities come to a standstill as some water flows into people’s shops. Customers also stay away This part of the area because they can’t access the businesses around here.

Tayo, a commuter who did not want to be named, said the ongoing construction of drainage systems in flooded areas in the area has not yet been completed.

“The flooding we are witnessing today is minimal compared to what we will experience in the coming weeks as the rainy season has arrived,” he said. “As you can see, traffic is already starting to get heavy because of the flooding. We complained about flooding and the government started drainage work, but the work fell by the wayside. There’s no sign it will be done anytime soon.

Meanwhile, similar situations have unfolded in Lotto, Pakuro, Ijere and several other communities, with residents attributing flooding to poor drainage, demanding action from local officials who they claim have failed to respond to their complaints.

Our reporter, while interviewing a resident who identified herself as Ms. Ogechi, learned that the roads were in good condition before going to the church, but they were unable to pass because the entire area was flooded.

She further noted that flooding during the monsoon has become a major problem for the community while urging the government to intervene immediately.

She said, look at the area; see water everywhere. This happens every time it rains. We are tired. I had a great drive to church today and now can’t get home; there’s swamp everywhere.

Hammed Lamidi, a business owner in one of the flooded communities, told our reporter that residents, especially business owners, will feel the impact of the floods on Monday (today), adding that those going to their workplaces People will find it difficult to navigate the road.

He said there will be some movement starting Monday as people go to work and do business; the flooding will slow down traffic and commercial activities. Many people don’t feel pain now because they are resting at home, but starting tomorrow, they will open their eyes and see the pain caused by the floods.

An unnamed source who contacted the Ogun State Ministry of Environment on Sunday told our correspondent that the government has put in place a feedback mechanism to assist residents in flood-prone areas. .

Sources said the problem is that once the government realizes the flood situation, they will find a solution. You know, you can’t be everywhere at the same time. It is easier for people to notify the government when such incidents occur. We now have a feedback mechanism in place through a scheme where people can call the government at any time to inform the government of the challenges they face with regard to flooding.