First Focus Magazine

Sanwolu Should Increase Budgetary Allocations For Ministry Of Environment

Lagosians have continued to appeal to the Lagos State governor, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to increase budgetary allocations for the State Ministry of Environment.

Events have showed that the ministry is incapacitated with insufficient funds to oblige with its constitutional responsibility of ensuring clean and clear drainage in the state. After a heavy downpour in the state, the entire state was submerged with water as areas like Ajah, Ikota, VGC, Chevron, Ajiran, Ikate, Lekki Phase 1, Ologolo, Obalande, Idumota, Maryland, Anthony were all submerged with water as a result of blocked canals and drainages.

The heavy rain proved beyond recognition that the ministry does not have sufficient funds to go back to the drawing board and engage professionals that will help the state to address flooding.

The governor was urged to increase funding for the ministry to be able to clear canals and drainages so that whenever it rains there will be free flow of water. It was gathered that some individuals are not helping matters in the state as they always engage in the act of dumping refuse in the drainages, which serves as an impediment for free flow of water. Some personalities that are above the law in the state also build structures and estates on the path of water.

The ministry should be equipped with adequate funding and constitutional powers to do the needful in the state to prevent further recurrence and provide hygienic environment for businesses to flourish.