Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, says the government is focusing on finishing the clearing of drainage channels in Apapa area of the state.
He added that it was the decision of the government to make sure that the usually flood-prone area did not experience such a disaster during this year's rainy season.
Bello spoke during an inspection of the drainage clearance in Apapa on Thursday. He said the tour was to ascertain the level of work done and to get first-hand information on problematic spots in the area.
He said, "One of the areas we are focusing on is Liverpool-Signal Barrack-Creek Road-Port Novo Creek Collector.
"This collector, which had many adjoining drains, served as a major collector for part of Liverpool Road, Azare, Signal Barrack, Creek Road, among others. The collector drain discharges its content into the Port Novo Creek.
"This drain is 1,120 metres long, 3.5m wide and 1.0m deep down stream with various sections upstream. Constriction of drains with service pipes and cables, the usual dumping of refuse into drain, littering of surroundings with tyres and erection of illegal structures on drainage alignment by the people are the usual challenges being faced in this area."
The commissioner said government would also ensure the maintenance of the new Marine Road collector, which served as a major collector for part of Marine Road, Silva Road, Forcardos, among others.
Bello decried the erection of illegal structures on drainage channels, saying government would no longer tolerate it as water must be allowed to flow.
The commissioner said officials of the ministry would soon ascertain the number of illegal structures in the areas, adding that such structures might be demolished if the need arose.
The Punch