The issue of illegal dumping of refuse into a drainage canal near Adebola Idowu Street in the Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos has raised concerns among motorists and traders.
During a visit to the area on Thursday, it was evident that the canal was filled with waste, mainly consisting of disposable Styrofoam and plastics.
As a result, water intended to flow through the canal spills over onto the road, causing damage and hindering movement along the route.
Maria Yusuf, a trader, expressed frustration at the situation, stating, “People come in the evening and just dump their rubbish in the canal. When it accumulates, we sometimes gather to clear it.”
Following rainfall, the canal blockage leads to flooding, requiring makeshift solutions like using sawdust in cement bags on the road to navigate through the water.
Bus driver Segun Akanbi noted the road damage caused by the canal overflow, saying, “The road deteriorated when the canal started backing up after rain, causing water to accumulate.”
Resident Poopola David pointed out that even local food vendors contribute to the waste problem by disposing of trash in the canal, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility to address the issue.
David called for strict government enforcement to penalize offenders, suggesting that fines or imprisonment could deter further waste disposal in the area.
Efforts to contact Sade Kadiri, the Director of Public Affairs at the Lagos Waste Management Authority, proved unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
Recent reports from Punch Metro highlighted the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources in Lagos initiating the demolition of structures built on drainage systems in Ojota and Ogudu following non-compliance by property owners.
The ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Kunle Adeshina, announced the demolitions after property owners failed to heed the prior warnings to remove the obstructing structures.