Nigerian govt orders Kuramo Lagoon dredging to tackle Lagos flooding

The Federal Government has directed the dredging of the sand-filled Kuramo Lagoon in Lagos as part of efforts to tackle flooding in parts of the state, while insisting that the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is not responsible for the flooding recorded in the affected communities.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this on Monday during an inspection of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

Umahi explained that investigations revealed that Kuramo Lagoon, designated under Lagos State’s drainage master plan as a major flood collection point, had been illegally reclaimed with sand by residents, preventing it from effectively serving its drainage purpose.

According to the minister, the Surveyor-General of the Federation has already installed a warning sign at the site to prevent further encroachment, while the Federal Government has ordered that the lagoon be dredged to remove the sand deposits and restore its natural water flow.

Addressing concerns that the coastal highway contributed to recent flooding in surrounding communities, Umahi dismissed the claims, maintaining that the project was not responsible for the situation.

He noted that the lagoon was designed to receive floodwater from the surrounding areas, stressing that the drainage system had been compromised by residents who obstructed its natural outlet.

“You cannot block the channel and be crying about flooding,” the minister said.

Umahi argued that, contrary to allegations, the coastal highway had enhanced drainage by providing infrastructure that channels floodwater away from vulnerable areas.

He also addressed complaints of flooding around Alpha Beach, one of the locations frequently linked to the highway project, insisting that the problem existed long before construction began.

“This Alpha Beach flooding is not caused by us,” he stated.

The minister attributed the recurring flooding in the area to deficiencies in the original planning and development of the estate, noting that lasting solutions would require additional drainage infrastructure, the construction of a service lane and, in some cases, the demolition of structures obstructing natural water channels.

“Some buildings must have to go,” he said.

Umahi further observed that flooding was not peculiar to Lagos, citing similar incidents in Adamawa, Bauchi, Niger and Taraba states, as well as Summit Junction in Asaba, Delta State.

He described flooding as a nationwide infrastructure challenge requiring coordinated intervention by relevant authorities.

To ensure proper maintenance of drainage facilities along the highway corridor, the minister directed the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos to deploy 40 personnel on rotational shifts, comprising 20 officers during the day and 20 at night, to monitor culverts and manholes and prevent indiscriminate dumping of refuse.

“We cannot be manning every manhole; there must be discipline in this country along this corridor,” Umahi said.