Rains Trigger Flooding, Traffic Gridlock in Lagos

  Lagos State Government has reassured residents that the flooding on parts of Lekki on Tuesday is a short-term occurrence and that normal conditions are expected as the waters recede. The development came after heavy rainfall led to temporary tidal lock-ups and flash floods, causing traffic congestion along key roads, including Chisco Elegushi and the Elf area, tailing back to Jakande First Gate. The incident was captured in a video circulating online, where a motorist recorded a visibly flooded road on Lekki, alleging that the flooding occurred after just 30 minutes of rainfall. Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a post on X, urged residents to remain calm, stressing that there is no need for panic, as he assured all that government teams are closely monitoring the situation. “While there was rainfall on the Island and a temporary tidal lock-up occurred, this is a short-term situation. “As the tide recedes in the next few minutes, the water will discharge naturally and conditions will improve,” he said. Meanwhile, Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, also took to X to update motorists on the traffic situation. “Due to the heavy rains, there are flash floods at Chisco Elegushi worsening traffic flow. The backlog has extended to Elf tailing back to Jakande First Gate. “We are confident that the floodwaters will soon drain and improve the congestion,” Osiyemi said, urging road users to follow official traffic channels for real-time updates. Residents have been advised to exercise caution while commuting and to follow official updates as Lagos State authorities work to restore normal conditions across affected areas.  

Oyo dredges 11 Rivers To Curb Flooding

  The Oyo State Government has disclosed that it has dredged 11 rivers as part of proactive measures to address flooding during the rainy season in the state. According to reports by The PUNCH, the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency and the Nigeria Meteorological Agency have predicted that several states, including Oyo, will experience flooding this year. A statement released by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Wednesday, revealed that the government announced during the Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday at the Secretariat, Agodi, in Ibadan. He further mentioned that the Ministry of Environment has been directed to procure more compactor trucks to enhance refuse collection in the municipality. Oyelade said, “To protect lives and property, the council approved the immediate dredging of 11 flood-prone rivers across the state, including those in Iseyin, Oyo, Ibadan, Igbo Ora, Ogbomoso, and others.” The commissioner also stated that the council has approved the procurement of firefighting auxiliary and special equipment for the Oyo State Fire Service Agency to enhance firefighting, rescue operations, and protect firefighters from occupational hazards. “Approval was also given for the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to procure compactor trucks to supplement efficiency in refuse collection. The approval for these three projects amounts to N690 million.” “The council also considered and approved the procurement and installation of a transformer and power generator for the Omololu Olunloyo Monumental Park, as well as an energy storage upgrade for the dualised Ladoke Akintola Airport Road.” He explained that the main reason for the shutdown of the airport in recent weeks was to upgrade its infrastructure to international standards, improving its aesthetic value, recreation facilities, advertising displays, direction signs, and speed limit indicators necessary for international flight operations. “The project will cost N224,781,750. The Executive Council also approved the installation of public lighting along the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road, Phase One.” Oyelade further explained that the 110 km motorway will ease traffic congestion in the Ibadan metropolis. Additionally, travellers from other parts of the country will be able to bypass the city traffic by linking the circular road to their destinations. “The project is aimed at ensuring adequate, sustainable lighting on the motorway and enhancing socio-economic growth and investment in Oyo State, including the development of the night-time economy. The project will cost N15,111,129,535.30.” The government also approved the rehabilitation of several roads, including the Bolajoko Estate Road Network, General Gas, Bishop’s Court Road, Jejelaye, Peace Roads, and Anifalaje Area, for the sum of N1,988,512,481.00. Punch

Maiduguri Flood ,Sweeps Out Animal In The Zoo

  Residents near Sanda Kyarimi Zoo in Maiduguri, Borno State, are grappling with confusion and fear as flooding has led to the escape of several animals from the zoo. Among the escaped animals are an ostrich and a crocodile, with concerns that others, including elephants, lions, and snakes, might soon follow. The escaped crocodile was found dead after being attacked by an unidentified individual, while the ostrich remains at large. Ayuba Peter, Director of Forest and Wildlife, confirmed the zoo manager has been informed and noted that efforts are underway to secure the area. Roads around the zoo have been blocked to restrict human movement, and wildlife staff are actively patrolling to recapture the escaped animals, particularly the dangerous carnivores.A source within the zoo reported that approximately 80 percent of the zoo’s animals, especially the carnivores, have died or been washed away due to the flooding. The situation is part of a broader disaster caused by the collapse of Alau Dam, which has submerged many areas in Maiduguri.Ali Abatcha, General Manager of Borno State Museum Park, indicated that the flood has caused significant damage, including the loss of more than 80 percent of the zoo’s animals. He warned residents to be cautious as some dangerous animals, like snakes and crocodiles, have been washed into nearby communities. In response, Usman Tar, Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, has urged residents in affected areas to evacuate immediately and follow designated routes for safety. He emphasized the urgency of the situation due to the unusually high volume of water this year, which has disrupted farms and is threatening riverbank communities. The state government has also announced a two-week delay in the resumption of schools, now scheduled to begin on September 23, 2024, due to the ongoing flooding and the threat posed by escaped wildlife.   NAN