How Community Spent Million On Drainage In Five Days

BY UDOCHUKWU IHESIABA

The story of how a community in Lagos state spent a million on drainage works within five days has emerged, The Eagle can report.

It is the Onilekere Community along Oshodi Abeokuta Express Way, in the Ikeja area of Lagos, and it says the amount was gulped by drainage repairs in a canal that connects Onilekere and Onipetesi Communities from Agege to Local Airport Ikeja.

It should be noted that Onilekere Community, especially Olumo Street, faces flooding during the rainy seasons with reports of loss to property on many occasions.

A resident Mr John Okojie , told our correspondent that the Onilekere residents took it upon themselves levying compounds N20, 000 each t be able tackle the problem.

This is against the backdrop that neither the Lagos State Government no its parastatals like the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) had responded to its distress calls via letters.

 “Before now, the bad conditions of the canal had been affecting residents so much when it rains. People find it difficult to go out in search of greener pasture”, he said.

 On possible causes of the drainage problem he said: “The activities of the residents contributed to the blockage of the carnal because must people dump refuse in therein.

“The Community leaders were active in cautioning such people but at a couple of times they went to sleep” he added.

Our investigations show that with the threat of the floods, some tenants vacated their accommodation and the properties were eventually lost to the flood.

Daniel Dollars, another resident in the area, said the prevailing condition had affected the outlook of the area, making it always look unkempt.

He said the remedying that had taken place was the outcome of contributions from the residents.

“I am using this opportunity to call on both local and state government to do the needful because our health is at risk.

Another resident simply identified as Olayinka said properties affected by the flood included vehicles, electronic items, books, mattresses, pillows and clothes.

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He advised people to stop dumping refuse on the street to avoid flood, as  plastic bottles, nylons, papers usually found in such refuse end up blocking the water channels.