Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, and other state officials paid a visit to Lagos Island’s Jankara region on Monday, to inspect the alarming flooding condition that had plagued the area.
Jankara, a bustling hub of daily business activities, has recently succumbed to the relentless force of floods, forcing residents and business owners to navigate through the rising waters. This predicament is not exclusive to Jankara, as several other streets in the vicinity are also inundated due to obstructed drainage channels.
Sanwo-Olu addressed the dire situation, declaring that Jankara and two other markets in the area would be demolished as part of a comprehensive regeneration plan for Lagos Island. In his official statement, he emphasized that this serves as a formal notice of intent to clean up and revamp the entire market area, beginning with the Converter Market, Pele Wura Market, and Jankara Market. Given the large number of citizens currently residing within these markets, he assured that adequate notice would be provided.
He elaborated on the future plans, indicating that a detailed design for the area’s redevelopment is in progress. The project will involve the active participation of local government bodies and all stakeholders to reach a consensus on the timing and execution of the demolition and evacuation processes.
During the inspection, the governor also made a stop at the Ilubirin pumping station, where an ongoing drainage project is underway. He revealed that two of the drainage channels are slated to be completed within the next two months, providing a much-needed relief from flooding in the area.
The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to property owners who obstruct drainage systems, stating that they will face the full force of the law.
