The recent Lagos floods, as reported by Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab, highlight a recurring issue that plagues Nigeria’s most populous city. While the commissioner’s apology and explanation are appreciated, they also reveal systemic problems that demand more than just sympathy and short-term solutions.
Firstly, the commissioner’s statement that “the tidal levels of the lagoon and the sea rose to such an extent that rainwater couldn’t discharge for one to two hours” underscores Lagos’s vulnerability as a coastal city. This isn’t a new revelation, yet it seems that urban planning hasn’t adequately accounted for this geographical reality. The question arises: Why hasn’t more robust infrastructure been put in place to handle these predictable environmental challenges?
Wahab’s admission that “recent developments have outpaced the existing infrastructure” in areas like Agungi is particularly concerning. It suggests a lack of foresight in urban development, where construction has been allowed to proceed without commensurate improvements in drainage systems. This short-sightedness is a recipe for recurring disasters.
The commissioner’s emphasis on removing “illegal structures obstructing drainage paths” is necessary but also points to a failure in enforcement. Why were these structures allowed to be built in the first place? It’s a cycle we’ve seen before – illegal construction, followed by flooding, followed by demolitions. This reactive approach is costly both in terms of resources and human suffering.
While Wahab rightly points out the global challenge of climate change, it’s crucial to note that many of Lagos floods issues are man-made and exacerbated by poor planning and maintenance. The city’s rapid growth and urbanization have outpaced its infrastructure development, leading to these recurrent crises.
The arrest of individuals charging pedestrians to use a bridge during the floods is a stark reminder of how some exploit these disasters. It’s indicative of broader governance issues that go beyond environmental management.
In conclusion to Lagos floods saga, while the government’s acknowledgment of the problem and efforts to address it are steps in the right direction, Lagos needs more than apologies and reactive measures. It requires a comprehensive, long-term strategy that integrates urban planning, environmental management, and climate change adaptation. Until such a holistic approach is adopted and rigorously implemented, Lagosians will likely continue to suffer from floods with each heavy rainfall, regardless of how many times officials say “sorry.”
Reference
Lagos Floods: High Tide Hampers Rainwater Recession, Says Wahab published by thisdaylive