NITP seeks urgent action on Lekki-Epe flooding

The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners has called for urgent attention to the Lekki-Epe corridor, which is located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Lagoon, to address the issue of flooding. At a press conference, the outgoing chairperson of the NITP's Lagos State Chapter, Oladele Akindele, highlighted the need to drain water into the Lagoon rather than the ocean during the design and execution of the drainage master plan.

Akindele emphasized that it is crucial to consider the land's elevation, as most areas in Lagos are below sea level, making flash floods an inevitable challenge. He urged the state government to study and implement effective flood control measures from other countries like the Netherlands and New Orleans, USA, and to focus on preventing blocked drainage channels by conducting public awareness campaigns, monitoring drainage channels, and imposing strict penalties on those who obstruct them.

Additionally, Akindele stressed the importance of local government involvement in the planning process and proposed increased participation through public-private partnerships to alleviate the financial burden on the government.