Lagos government provides toll free line to report flooding

The Lagos State
government on Thursdsy, provided a free phone line
for residents to report outbreak of flooding in their
respective areas
In a statement by Mr Ayodeji Adenekan, Permanent
Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, said that this
was to ensure that cases of flooding were nipped in
the bud.
The dedicated telephone number is: 08099183777 for
Lagosians to notify the state government whenever
they notice flood related issues in their streets,
neighbourhood and highways.
Adenekan stated that the telephone line was strictly
for “Short Message Service (SMS) and WHATSAPP, .
He added that the social media platform was to be
used for pictorial complaints on flood matters.
He said government had embarked on its mid-rain
de-flooding programme, which involves dredging, de-
silting, clearing and cleaning of drainage channels/
canals across the state.
Adenekan cautioned residents against dumping
refuse in the drains.
He said such action would not only block the drains
but cause constriction within the drains, thereby
reducing the rate of discharge and ultimately
preventing discharge.
'' Such unwholesome practice of dumping of refuse in
the drainage also encourages rapid vegetal growth
inside the drains and consequently made
maintenance very difficult.
''Other disadvantages of dumping of refuse in
drainages are the reduction in the capacity of drains
built to accommodate storm-water which as a result
overflows and spills onto the roads.
''We urged the residents to report anyone found
dumping in canals and drainages through the
dedicated telephone number.''
Adenekan also advised parents to ensure that
children are guided to avoid drowning when it rains.
NAN