By Matthew Johnson
Residents of Ajegunle in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State have decried the recurring flooding in the community following a heavy downpour that left several streets submerged and forced floodwater into homes.
The rainfall, which lasted for several hours, reportedly rendered many roads impassable, disrupted movement and destroyed household belongings as residents struggled to salvage their property.
Some residents blamed the persistent flooding on blocked drainage channels, alleging that refuse and silt had clogged the drains, preventing the free flow of stormwater.
A resident, who identified herself as Mr. Rufai Muri, said floodwater entered his apartment, despite weekly environmental sanitation on the drainage system.
“Most of the drainages on the street of Lagos especially in Ajegunle are blocked due to sand, broken stones from drainages and not only refuse because we remove the refuse every Saturdays as instructed by appropriate agencies.
“We woke up to find water inside the house. Almost everything on the floor was soaked. This has become a yearly occurrence because the drains are blocked and nobody is clearing them,”Muri said.
Another resident, Mrs. Gift Chiamaka described the situation as unbearable, noting that the persistent down pour has increased the rate at much mosquitoes and increase in malaria outbreak in the community.
According to her, several streets in the community were submerged, making it difficult for residents to access workplaces, schools and markets.
“The drainage channels are filled with refuse. Whenever it rains heavily, the water has nowhere to pass and ends up flooding our houses. We have complained several times but nothing has changed.
“Like this, I have malaria and Everyone have been packing out water since 9:00am in their homes including me while Furniture, and other electronic devices in the house are still deeply soaked in the water.
“Street like Idewu, Asafa,Ladega,hospital road and others are the one suffering more ” she said.
Residents appealed to the Lagos State Government and relevant agencies to urgently desilt the drainage channels and improve flood control measures to prevent further damage to lives and property.
Residents urged authorities to intensify enforcement against indiscriminate refuse dumping, which they said contributes significantly to blocked drains and flooding across the community.