By Lagos, Nigeria- The Lagos State Government announced yesterday night that the ongoing Lagos Island regeneration and beautification project is aimed at expanding drainage capacity, reducing flood risks, and improving environmental conditions across the axis.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, while briefing journalists after an inspection of regeneration works around the Oja Oba underbridge, Adeniji-Adele, Aroloya Street and adjoining areas on Lagos Island, according to the state government.
Mr Wahab said the inspection focused on drainage rehabilitation, underbridge upgrades and environmental improvements designed to address perennial flooding in Lagos Island and surrounding communities.
The Commissioner stated that environmental conditions in the regeneration corridor have improved since the commencement of the project, noting that residents are now able to move around during rainfall without the use of rain boots due to improved drainage flow.
According to the Commissioner, the beautification of the Oja Oba underbridge is being executed through a Public Private Partnership arrangement, with private stakeholders submitting design proposals that are being reviewed to ensure conformity with approved state standards.
Mr Wahab disclosed that the Idumota underbridge, which was previously cleared of traders, has also been selected for beautification to protect the infrastructure and provide space for community oriented facilities.
The Commissioner said the planned beautification works will include recreational facilities such as table tennis courts, football pitches, public toilets and green areas under selected bridges to enhance proper use of public infrastructure.
On project timelines, Mr Wahab explained that completion would be phased, with some sections expected within six months, others within 12 months, and some possibly extending to 14 months, adding that visible progress has already been recorded.
Addressing construction related disruptions, the Commissioner said there was a temporary setback around Ojo Giwa Street due to engineering adjustments, explaining that contractors had to dam sections of the road to enable work in adjoining areas.
Mr Wahab also spoke on waste management, stating that the state government would announce the resumption of Monthly Environmental Sanitation in the coming weeks, while urging residents not to wait for official sanitation days before cleaning their surroundings.
The Commissioner attributed illegal waste disposal largely to poor compliance by individuals and market operators, citing findings along the Badagry Expressway where traders allegedly dumped refuse on road medians and rail corridors.
He warned that the government would intensify enforcement against environmental offenders, stressing that maintaining a clean environment requires collective responsibility, according to the Lagos State Government.
The inspection tour covered Oja Oba underbridge, Idumota underbridge, Aroloya Street, Adeniji-Adele axis, and major drainage collectors linking Alfred Rewane Road, Bourdillon Road, MacPherson area and Five Cowries Creek in Ikoyi, the government said.
