A Community ’s Cry over Flooding in Lagos by Yemi Olakitan

A Community ’s Cry over Flooding in Lagos
By Yemi Olakitan

The problem of flooding is a major issue in Lagos state. Many administrations, including the present administration of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola have found that incessant flooding is a major problem to tackle during raining seasons. This is because of lack of proper drainage system and canals in most parts of the state. The result of these is that many communities suffer under the effects of flooding that often come after a heavy downpour. The most affected areas are those that are closer to the sea and the effects are usually loss of lives and property. These areas also have another problem added to flooding; the problem of erosion of the beaches.
This is the story of the people of Igbo-Efon community in Lekki-Epe Expressway, an ancient settlement of Lagosians who lives along the coastal areas of Alpha-Beach. This community has had to cry out on the problems they face in their fight against flooding during the raining seasons.
According to the Baale in council of Igbo Efon community. Historically, Igbo Efon has been in existence for more than 600 years and was founded along the coastline of Alpha beach. The community has not been experiencing much flooding before now until about four years ago when Chevron Nigeria, an international oil company came an acquire about 201 hectares of land with which they started a construction project in the community. The project was located on the central drainage system of Igbo Efon community. The site was also sand filled in such a way that it is higher than the rest of the community. This development has caused serious problems to the area on the issue of flooding. It means that incidence of flooding has more than doubled since the construction project started. A visit to the site shows that Chevron is building schools, shopping malls, and private estate on the landed property, which belongs to the families in the community.
In a chat with Chief Atiku Abogun, the spokesperson for the council of chiefs, Igbo Efon has made several appeals to Chevron Nigeria and even the Lagos State government on the issue to no avail. According to him, the people have cried out to Chevron to do something on the problem of flooding in the community but nothing has been done on the matter.
Speaking further, Chief Atiku said that experts say more of such heavy rains are expected this year and the people have started experiencing flooding beginning from the last rainfall in February.
‘‘These problems started in Igbo Efon Community when Chevron came and build a private construction site in the environment with making plans to contribute to the advancement of the people whose land they are occupying. Chevron has made various promises to the community but they have not fulfilled their promises to us. The land in the construction site is sand filled higher than the rest of the community, coupled with the Alpha Beach erosion. This have further compounded the problem.’’ He said.
The Baale in Council explained that the efforts of the community to get Chevron to help in solving some of the problems of the community have proved abortive. Igbo Efon is close to the sea and the people are suffering under the weight of incessant flooding. The erosion of Alpha Beach is another issue causing great damage to the fight against flooding.
Speaking further, Chief Atiku said, the flood in July 10th 20011 caused lot of damage to lives and properties because there is no proper drainage system in the area.
‘‘The Baale in Council has lodged complaints to the Chairman of Eti Osa Local government, Hon. Anafiu Elegushi who advised that we should take the matter to the Lagos state Government, Ministry of the Environment. There was no substantial response from them after the complaints were made. The matter was thereafter taken to the Lagos High court, igbosere, Lagos Island. On December 7th 2011, the court advised an out of court settlement. Nothing came out of the matter even after that. The court ordered Chevron to prepare a term of settlement after Igbo Efon Community Development Association take the matter to the court, justice Arinze of the Lagos high court, igbosere ordered a term of settlement. They have not done anything about the terms of settlement up until now. ‘’ He said.
According to him the terms of settlement stated by the court include community school, portable water, proper drainage system renovation of the community health care center, scholarship for teenagers and youths, and job creation. However, little was done in this respect. Chief Semiu Aniyalorun Abogun, a member of the Baale in Council said that at the initial stage, chevron consulted the Abogun and the Olukolu families as head of the families in the community but after that there was no further consultation with the families. There was no good roads, no electricity, as far away as Okun Ajah, Mopo, and Lafiaji.
‘‘They said they could only pay only N10, 000 naira for scholarships for each child. They occupy our land worth millions of Naira and their kids attend American and British international schools, He called on the Lagos state Government to come to the rescue of the people and challenge the chevron company so that they can alleviate the sufferings of the community. ‘’ He said.
Other members of the Baale in council include Mr. Yusuf Abogun, Mr.Mushafau Jinadu, and Musekiru Olukolu.