Residents of Alhaji Idowu community in Akowonjo, in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, have lamented the flooding problem in the area, which they attributed to blocked drainage channels.
According to the residents, the blocked drainage affects free flow of water from various households in the area.
They said by the community to address the challenge had been abortive.
When our correspondent visited the community on Tuesday, he observed that plastic, sand and some particles blocked the channels created for free flow of water.
A resident, Ruth Giwa, said during the rainy season, the situation usually worsened as flood would take over the community.
She said, “The water from the drainage in this area can cause an outbreak of diseases; we are at the mercy of mosquitoes. When they constructed this road, nothing like this happened, but look at our road now, everywhere is flooded. When it rains, we are in big trouble.
“Also, some of those who are constructing new houses dump their granite and sharp sand on the walkways, which also block the drainage.”
It was learnt that the community had been experiencing the problem since April 2021 as efforts by residents to get relevant government agencies to address the situation were abortive.
A cleric, Moshood Owolabi, told our correspondent that the water from a downpour could drown whoever slipped into it.
He said, “We beg the state government and the Chairman, Alimosho LGA, to come to our aid because we are at the mercy of flood. People walking on the walkway may slip into this water and drown. We sometimes see faeces in the water, which may also cause an epidemic.
“We have tried our best to manage the situation ourselves by packing sand from some parts of the drainage, but it has not worked.”
Members of the community said despite writing several letters to the Alimosho LGA in respect of the blocked drainage, they got no response.
It was learnt that due to the flooding problem, residents had difficulty accessing their houses and shops.
A grocery shop owner, Omolara Lawal, said due to the stench emanating from the floodwater, businesses had been grounded.
“I have a shop where I sell pepper and tomatoes with other foodstuffs, but look at it now; because of this water, I moved my wares to the roadside. Who would go to a place where smelly water would splash on goods?” she asked.
The Chairman of the Alimosho LGA, Sulaimon Jelili, did not take his calls, which rang out.
He had also yet to respond to a text message from our correspondent as of the time of filing this report.
The Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Services could not be reached for comment as of press time.