The Lagos State House of Assembly ad hoc committee saddled with the responsibility of unravelling the cause of the ravaging flood in Lagos Island with the attendant traffic gridlocks has vowed to ensure the life-threatening development is frontally addressed.
Giving the charge during an on-the-spot assessment of the affected area by the committee, the Majority Leader Hon. Noheem Adams who led the team stated that no stone will be left unturned to find a lasting solution to the societal menace.
Adams noted that the Speaker’s recognition of the issues of land degradation and flooding that plagues the people of Lagos Island makes it a must do task for the committee.
“I want specifically thank the Speaker for taking into cognisance the issue of land degradation and flooding affecting the people of Lagos state and particularly the people of Lagos Island, as that is one of the reasons why we are here.
“To have a tour across the affected area and to see how a lasting solution can be brought on board for the benefits of all those residing and doing businesses on the Island.
“Recently a protest was staged by the by some C.D. A’s and Community leaders across Lagos Island at the State House of Assembly to bring home how denigrating the situation were on the Island, coincidentally same day Hon. Omolara raised the issue of Lagos Island on the floor of the house.
“The house will play its oversight functions by making sure the ministries involved are up and doing in finding a lasting solution to the issues at hand. He also urged the people of Lagos Island to give them little time to find a lasting solution to it as it will be done soon.” Adam said.
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Also, part of the house delegation on the topical assignment were; Hon Olumoh (Member representing Ajeromi 01), Hon. Olanrewaju Afinni (Member, representing Lagos Island Constituency 2), Hon. Omolara Oyekan-Olumegbon (Member, representing Lagos Island Constituency 1), they inspected a number of streets as it affects easy movement of water in and around the area, from from Bombata Street to Oroyinyin, Jankara,Ojo-Giwa, Phase 1-3, and Ilubirin canal.
Hon.Oyekan-Olumegbon in her chat with newsmen in the course of the inspection noted that the issue at stake affects her Constituency more and was full of appreciation over the poise of the leadership of the house to take a drastic action in solving the current issues.
She also expressed her confidence in the pragmatic actions of the Speaker in playing a watchdog role on the activities of the concerned ministries.
Hon Olanrewaju Afinni added that the visit avails the house a first-hand information of what the issues are to be able work out a permanent solution to the problem confronting the people of Lagos Island, as their major interest is to get a lasting solution to the current problem.
The Executive Chairmen of the council areas within which the inspected streets are located, were part of the team that made the inspection tour; Hon.Muibi Alade Folawiyo (Chairman, Lagos Island East LCDA) and Hon. Rosul Eshinlokun (the Vice Chairman of Lagos Island).
Receiving the house ad hoc committee was the Executive Chairman Lagos Island East LCDA.who complained bitterly about the issues the people had to grapple with, while citing the various steps they have taken in finding a lasting solution to the flooding.
He however, upbraids those in charge of pumping water out of a particular area on the need to be alive to their responsibility, while lamenting the inadequate channel taking water out of the area, citing the fact that at least two separate channels are needed for the volume of water there.
Hon. Muibi later volunteered to be coming around every two hours to check the pump station and to ensure its effectiveness as that’s one of the ways they can be free of flooding across Lagos Island temporarily.
Responding to all the questions and opinions being raised was the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, who explained that there is a permanent solution that is being worked out by the Ministry but before then there is also a temporary solution that is being effected, sequel promise made to Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun representing Lagos Central Senatorial District on the installation of connected pump and pipes to evacuate the waters out of Lagos Island into the Lagoon, to ease the people of the flooding crisis they are currently facing.
He promised the house delegation that by the end of November 2023, the permanent solution would have been activated.
Some of the elders and C.D.A leaders on ground all appreciated the Speaker and their lawmakers representing them at the Lagos State House of Assembly for a job well done, taking their pains into immediate consideration.