– Completion expected within two years
– Project to benefit Baruwa, John Okputee and Oke-Oko residents
AYOBO, LAGOS – Communities in New London, Oke-Oko, Baruwa, will soon get lasting relief from over 30 years of flooding and erosion as the Lagos State Government and Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA) commence the construction of a permanent drainage system.
The landmark project is expected to bring an end to the perennial flooding that has damaged roads, destroyed property and disrupted socio-economic activities in New London and neighbouring communities for decades.
The project officially kicked off with the signing of a commencement agreement between the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA and the New London Community Development Association.
Designed as a reinforced concrete drainage channel measuring 1.2 metres by 1.2 metres, the infrastructure will feature both surface and underground drainage systems to improve stormwater management and strengthen environmental resilience.
In addition to New London CDA, the project will benefit residents of Baruwa, John Okputee and the Oke-Oko axis. The contractor has already been mobilised to the site, while completion is expected within 24 months.
The initiative follows an earlier inspection of the flood-prone areas by the Executive Chairman of the LCDA, Hon. Agbaje Lukman Abiodun, who assured residents that his administration, in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, would deliver a lasting solution to the environmental challenge.
The Lagos State Government delegation at the signing ceremony was led by the Director of Drainage Services, Mr. Akinwunmi, alongside senior officials of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.
Representing the Chairman, the Vice Chairman, Hon. Oladipupo Oluwaloni, described the project as a demonstration of responsive governance.
“This is what responsive government represents. Our Chairman made a commitment to the people, and today that promise is becoming reality. The Ijọba Irọrun administration remains committed to ensuring that every community in Ayobo-Ipaja is protected from flooding and enjoys quality infrastructure,” he said.
The Director of Drainage Services, Mr. Akinwunmi, said the project aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ Agenda.
He assured residents that the ministry would ensure strict supervision and adherence to the highest engineering standards throughout the construction period.
Chairman of the New London CDA, thanked the Lagos State Government and the Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA for responding to the community’s long-standing appeal.
He pledged the community’s full cooperation to ensure the successful and timely completion of the project.
“Today, we are witnessing government translating promises into action. We sincerely appreciate Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Chairman Agbaje Lukman Abiodun, and the Lagos State Government for remembering our community. We assure government of our maximum cooperation to ensure the successful and timely completion of this project.”
Site clearing and community sensitisation are expected to begin immediately.
Residents have also been urged to cooperate with engineers and avoid dumping refuse into drainage channels to guarantee the long-term sustainability of the project.
When completed, the drainage system is expected to significantly reduce flooding, improve road accessibility, protect lives and property, and enhance the quality of life for thousands of residents across the affected communities.
