By Eniola Daniel
The Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources in Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, has resumed construction of Isheri Oshun/Jakande Estate Drainage System 6E Oshodi-Isolo area of the state.
Special Adviser on Drainage and Water Resources to Lagos State governor, Joe Igbokwe, had in December 2022 told The Guardian that the project awarded Messrs Worthwhile Venture Limited early last year was put to hold due to cash crunch.
The residents had in a letter through their solicitor, Ubani & Co, dated July 18, 2022, complained about delay in removal of contraventions on the drainage route .
They blocked the drainage channel route marked for removal in 2014 and recently, resorted to unnecessary protest and court actions.
However, leaders of the community, yesterday, expressed delight over resumption of work on the drainage and urged government to complete the construction before the rainy season.
They also asked the government to remove contraventions on the water passage as well as stop harassment of construction workers by owners of buildings on the right of way.
Chairman of Peace Home Valley Estate Community Development Association (CDA), Ikechukwu Ezeonyeka, said: “Contraveners on the route brought policemen to the site, stop the site engineers, arrested and took them away on August 26, 2022, which we the communities dissociate from and totally opposed to. They are regularly disturbing the workers at the site by intimidation and harassment, thereby forcing them to stop work.
“We are calling on government that all contraveners along the marked route be removed immediately, so that the drainage construction can be completed promptly. We are pleading that law-abiding citizens of the respected community be protected and freed from natural disasters, like floods to avert the loss of life and property.”
On his part, Chairman, CDA Unity Estate, Awhansu Isaiah, said: “The residents of Peace Home Valley Estate CDA and Unity Estate CDA, who are the beneficiaries of the construction of drainage support and sincerely appreciates the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; the Chairman and the House Committee for Environment and Drainage Services.
“Also, we appreciate the office of the Commissioner for Environment, Olatunji Bello; the Special Adviser on Drainage /Water Resources, Joe Igbokwe; the Permanent Secretary Water Resources/Drainage, Nurudeen Shodeinde; and the Directors and entire staff of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Office of the Drainage Services for their goodwill and efforts towards the project.
“We also appeal that the project will continue and be completed without any further delay so as to for-stall any havoc that may come as a result of floods in our communities. We hope to receive a positive response from you soonest.”
Source: The Guardian
