The Lagos state government has sent a delegation to inspect the devastating impact of ocean surge in imperiled communities located in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of the state.
This is coming days after concerned residents of Eti-Osa had appealed to the Lagos state government to immediately intervene and safe Eti-Osa communities from getting submerged completely.
Recall that The New Diplomat had reported that concerned residents of Eti-Osa communities under the auspices of the ‘Save Eti-Osa Ocean Surge Now’ had written a letter to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state on the constant occurrence of ocean surge in Eti-Osa, particularly around Okun Alfa axis (Alfa Beach) and its environs.
In reaction, a Lagos state delegation led by Special Adviser to the Governor on Works & Infrastructure, Engr. Mrs Aramide Adeyoye conducted a spot assessment and feasibility study of the affected communities in Eti-Osa during the just concluded week.
Speaking during the visit, Adeyoye assured residents that the governor is committed to proferring lasting solutions to the ocean surge which has displaced over 1,000 households in the affected communities.
According to the special adviser, Sanwo-Olu had drafted both short and long term solutions to address the disaster.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by Conveners of ‘Save Eti-Osa Ocean Surge Now’: Hon. Sheriff Elegushi, and Barrister Oladotun Hassan and made available to The New Diplomat.
The statement reads, “Interestingly, the delegation gave a vivid account of the imminent dangers and assured that Mr Governor will proffer both interim and long terms Panacea to the surge, and firstly ensure adequate safety of the affected communities on the beach shorelines.
“The Special Adviser on Works, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye, said residents needs to show enormous support and build stronger synergy with the government, hence the need to inform and they shall request for records from the Ministries of Lands and Finance on the commensurate level of commitments in the payment of the Land Use Charge by the residents, so as to show more civic engagement and as well come up with robust report soon.
“Other team of expert on the delegation are Hon. Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Arch Kabiru Ahmed Abdullah, alongside the Special Adviser on Drainage Services, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, and other directors from the various ministries concerned, they gave assured commitment of the government’s resolution to solve the imminent disaster.
“The meeting further resolved to constitute joint steering Committee inclusive of eminent stakeholders and corporate organizations domiciled within affected communities in Eti-Osa Local Government and Environs accordingly.
“Eti-Osa Ocean Surge Communities leadership reiterate her resolve to jointly host with the Lagos State Government, NBA SPIDEL Environmental and Sustainability Law Committee and NBA Epe Branch The maiden Climate Change, Ocean Surge and Water Hyacinth Summit in partnership with other critical stakeholders soon.
“As part of the visit, the delegation also inspected the road leading to Orchid and Alfa Beach roads viz a viz the planned construction of the aforesaid roads facilitated by Hon Noheem Adams.
“As assured the project will soon commence as stated by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and infrastructure, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye, who promised that all the relevant ministries, including the ministry of environment, all will work together and ensure that the construction of the road starts in earnest so that respite can come to the residents of that community soonest.”
