Lekki Residents Seek FG Intervention Over Flooding Linked To Coastal Highway Project

Residents of the Baruwa/Igbo Efon community along the Lekki-Epe corridor of Lagos State have appealed to the Federal Government for urgent intervention over persistent flooding allegedly caused by drainage works associated with the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

The residents claimed that an open drainage channel connected to the ongoing highway construction has been discharging large volumes of stormwater into the community, resulting in recurrent flooding of homes, roads, and business premises.

According to community leaders, the flooding has damaged residential buildings and perimeter fences, destroyed household property, disrupted transportation, and exposed residents to health risks associated with stagnant and contaminated floodwater.

Speaking on behalf of the community, Chairman of the residents’ association, Atanda Mudashiru, and Secretary, Zacheus Aladejobi, said the situation had also affected businesses, leading to reduced accessibility, flooding of commercial premises, and loss of income.

In a Save Our Soul (SOS) appeal addressed to the Federal Government through the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, the residents urged authorities to halt the discharge of floodwater into the community and implement measures to prevent further damage, especially as the rainy season intensifies.

The community leaders noted that more than 250 houses are currently at risk of flooding and structural damage, while over 1,200 residents have been affected by recurring water overflow and environmental hazards.

They also disclosed that about 80 small and medium-scale businesses in the area have suffered operational disruptions and financial losses as a result of the flooding.

The residents warned that heavier rainfall in the coming weeks could trigger severe flooding, collapse of weakened structures, destruction of livelihoods, and possible loss of lives if urgent action is not taken.

They called on the Federal Government to conduct a technical assessment of the affected areas, deploy emergency flood-control measures, and construct appropriate drainage infrastructure capable of safely managing stormwater generated by the coastal highway project.

The association also urged authorities to engage with community representatives in developing sustainable long-term solutions and ensure contractors handling the project adhere to proper environmental and drainage management standards.

While acknowledging the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development through the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the residents stressed that such projects should not compromise the safety, livelihoods, and wellbeing of host communities.

They appealed for immediate intervention before the peak of the rainy season worsens the situation.