21 July 2008
Lagos — Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State on Saturday appealed to residents of the state to display a high level of understanding over the recent incidents of rain-induced floods which had caused nightmares for motorists and most residents in Lagos.
The floods had caused serious traffic snarl in parts of the state.
He assured everyone that there was no cause for worry about the level of rainfall which the state had witnessed especially in the last two months, adding that the task of clearing the drains the canals and building drains was a painstaking work which must be done systematically.
The governor who spoke during a chat with newsmen at Akoka also said that the Lagos and federal governments had put every plan in place to ensure that the repair work on the Third Mainland bridge which is scheduled to commence on August 2 is done on schedule with minimal discomfort to the people.
According to him, the state government is working day and night in the sun and in the rain and measuring the progress being recorded. Said he: "I assure you that the situation is under control. Our hands are not stopping .
"We will continue to work through the rainy season into the dry weather again. In some areas where we have finished our work, the communities are benefiting and not experiencing flood and in areas with some work still to be done, progress is being made."
He clarified further: "All over the world, there is global warming. Last night on CNN, there was very heavy rain in Taiwan which measured about 300millimeter and the whole of Taiwan was submerged by the rainfall and not flood."
"It has been raining since May ending in Lagos and we haven't had this kind of major discomfort. We are working at trying to improve the situation. It won't go away in one day, neither will it go away in one month. It is painstaking work and I can assure Lagosians that we have the situation under control."
THISDAY had last Wednesday carried an exclusive report on the menace of floods in Lagos, highlighting the traffic nightmare it has been causing as well as other discomforts at homes and places of business in the state.
Fashola also sought the patience and co-operation of Lagosians during the eight weeks that vehicular movement on the Third Mainland bridge will be diverted.
He said the success of this job depends on the understanding of the people, their patience and forbearance, stressing that "this is the only way we can address the fears the people have expressed over the condition of the bridge."
According to the Governor, the Third Mainland bridge will not be totally closed as only the side from Ikeja to Lagos will be affected by the maintenance repairs about to be carried out, adding that traffic would be diverted from the junction of Adekunle intersection.
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