Lagos communities task legislators on floods, illegal dumpsites

Illegal dumpsites – Desirous of a safe environment, residents of Ifako-Ijaiye communities have appealed to the Lagos state house of assembly for quick intervention in protecting the area from been submerged in flood and illegal dumpsites. The President, Ijaiye Housing Estate/ Community Development Area, Olufemi Adebayo who made the plea lamented that the two major outlets for drainages in the area not functional and it has become a problem for residents of the estate whenever it rains.

Adebayo who expressed the concern during a constituency stakeholders’ meeting organised by the State’s House of Assembly said the refuse from Iju road end also flow into the estate, therefore making a mess of the entire area.

He noted that because the area is always flooded, the road section has remained in a terrible state. “The water from the estate is not readily flowing into the drainage and that has caused a serious problem anytime there is rain. The other end towards Igbolu estate has been completely blocked by the housing development around those areas and the drainage is not flowing anywhere”

“Residents clear our drainage from time to time but the problem has always been how do we cart away all the debris cleared from the drainage and that is why we are soliciting the help of the local government as well as the state government to come to our aid. The cost of carting away the dirt is something we can’t afford.”

“The worst challenge is the issue of the empty land that has been left unattended to for years now. There has been a controversy on the land between the developer and the estate on the project. It was put on hold and since that time, the place remained under lock and key and has become a thick bush and serious security threat to the residents and pupils living on that particular street.

“The consequences could the upsurge of diseases because the drainages have become a breathing space for mosquitoes. When you build mosquito nets around your house, you can’t still escape them. We have killed snakes on several occasions along that area.”

Also speaking, the Principal, Iju Senior Grammar School, Mrs. Akinbami decried indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the school’s premises, which she explained has blocked drainage in the area and destroyed the school fence.

In their reactions, representatives of the constituency at the house of assembly, Saka Fafunmi and Adewale Adedeji said the forum was to allow the people to come up with their challenges, suggestions, and contribution, which the state could build on, for policy formulation and execution.

They appealed to residents to comply with environmental laws of the state, embrace attitudinal change and join hands with the government in a renewed commitment to preserving the environment, they assured the people of immediate action on their concerns.

According to them, the government sees the urgency to bring to an end the lingering threat of environmental challenges especially the continued indiscriminate dumping of refuse on streets, drainages and major highways, enlighten constituents on proper dispose of their wastes and create awareness on the hazardous impact of environmental challenges.”

The Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area, Oloruntoba Oke said the local council legislators have already put in place a bye-law that would prevent indiscriminate dumping of refuse on drainage and roads.

He tasked residents on voluntary compliance with the law, which he disclosed would become operational within the next months time.

Credit: Guardian