Lagos Island Streets Submerged by Floods for Days, Raising Health Concerns
Persistent Flooding Cripples Key Areas Despite Government Efforts
Major streets in Lagos Island Local Government Area have become impassable due to severe flooding from overflowing gutters, creating health hazards and disrupting daily life for residents and businesses.
Critical Areas Affected
Key locations including St John Primary School, Adeniji Market, and Itafaji have been particularly hard hit. The floodwaters have even submerged:
- The entrance to Mountain of Fire Ministry
- Multiple shops along the Itafaji-Jankarra Market road
- Major pedestrian walkways and roadways
Residents report the flooding began before Sunday’s rainfall and has persisted due to inadequate drainage systems as the rainy season intensifies.
Residents Struggle with Daily Life
“The water keeps rising, and we don’t know where it’s coming from,” said Abdul Adebayo, a local resident. “We see the government working on drainage, but the flood is still here.”
Business owners like Lanre Kunle acknowledge government efforts: “It’s a huge relief they’re constructing drainages. We don’t usually pray for rain here because water always covers the streets.”
Government Response and Budget Allocations
Despite allocating N6 billion for flood control in its 2025 budget (part of a N167 billion environmental protection package), Lagos State has seen limited progress:
- Only N1.515 billion of the N13.375 billion 2024 flood control budget was spent
- N12 billion remains unutilized from last year’s allocation
The state has partnered with organizations like FSD Africa to improve flood resilience in vulnerable areas.
Officials Promise Solutions
Environment Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab assured residents that ongoing urban regeneration projects will provide long-term solutions to persistent flooding in Adeniji, Oroyinyin, Idumagbo and surrounding communities.
“The inconvenience is temporary, and what we’re delivering is a permanent fix to a longstanding challenge on Lagos Island,” Wahab stated during a recent inspection.
As construction continues, residents remain hopeful for lasting solutions to the annual flooding that disrupts commerce and daily life in one of Lagos’ most densely populated areas.
Credit: Premium Times