The Victoria Island branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers has warned Lagos State Government to intensify its flood management efforts.
It predicted that Epe, Eti-Osa, Amuwo Odofin, Ojo, Kosofe, Lagos Island, Apapa, Ibeju-Lekki and Ikorodu Local Government Areas may be submerged if adequate measures were not put in place.
NSE at a discussion on Thursday said a recent research showed that Eti-Osa could be totally submerged in a few years time if there was no concrete management of flooding.
It urged environmentalists, sociologists, lawyers, engineers, economists and other professionals to collaborate with the state government and jointly find lasting solution.
Sunday Egbiki, in his paper presentation said mere clearing of drainage channels would not work on Victoria Island and other areas.
Egbiki, a fellow of the NSE, said some parts in Lagos were lying below the sea level, a situation he said was risky.
Egbiki, who spoke on: “Engineering Flood Management and Disaster Mitigation,” advised the state government to relocate residents of the local governments susceptible to perennial flooding elsewhere.
“The traditional approach of solving flood and drainage problems must change if we are to achieve any meaningful and sustainable progress in this area,” he said.
He advised Lagos government to adopt the Integrated Flood Management system, which he noted if well implemented would end flooding.
Egbiki listed causes of flooding to include: climate change, increased rate of urbanisation along flood plains, inadequate maintenance of infrastructure and sea level rise.
John Audu, another fellow of the NSE, delivered a paper on: “Safety Precaution for the Public in the event of disaster.”
He stressed the importance of caution during wet season and advised residents to always disconnect all electrical appliances in their homes when an area is flooded to guide against being victims of electrocution.
Audu also advised the public to always keep emergency numbers and call for help on time, use disinfectants and adopt other hygienic measures to avoid an outbreak of diseases during and after flooding.
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