Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has inaugurated the second batch of 19 high capacity drainage clearing and maintenance equipment, as part of efforts to ensure Lagos is flood-free.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello, said never again would Lagos be branded as a flood-ravaged city.
The inauguration was held yesterday at the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) yard in Oregun, Ikeja.
Sanwo-Olu said the government would be a step ahead in preparing for the aftermath of the rainy season because of the nature of Lagos as a coastal city.
He said his administration would position the Office of Drainage Services to perform its roles, adding that the equipment would be deployed in every part of the state.
“Complaints of non-removal of silts from drains will be addressed with the new tipping trucks,” the governor added.
He said: “We don’t have enough equipment to fight the menace. So, acquiring these ones is a big step in the fight. It’s an ongoing process and we hope to see changes as we move along.
“These ones were acquired last year, and we will do more this year until we have enough to cover the entire state.”
Special Adviser to the governor on Drainage and Water Resources, Joe Igbokwe, said the government was aware of its responsibility to evolve strategic methods that would improve the environment and guarantee that the state was flood free and beautiful for residents.
He added: “This feat can only be achieved through sustainable cleaning of all drainage channels.”
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Lekan Shodeinde, said he was confident that the new equipment would improve efficiency in providing all-year-round drainage maintenance for effective and efficient flood management.
The drainage maintenance equipment comprise two loader black hoe model, one low loader trailer, one track loader, four wheel pick up, five tipper truck, two light cargo truck, one low bed horse, one crane truck and two floodlights.
