Residents of Isolo and Ejigbo Local Council Areas have expressed concern over the uncleared Mass Burial Canal in Oke-Afa, Lagos State, which they say has been left unattended for more than five years.
The residents told The Guardian that the drainage channel, stretching from Canoe to the Faseun Bridge, has become overgrown with weeds and now harbours reptiles. Some, however, said the canal was partially cleared about three years ago.
A resident, Ariyo Usman, said it had been over five years since the canal was last cleared. “Even the mass burial area needs to be cleared. We were once told that the government would clear the canal for boats to operate but we haven’t heard anything since then.
“We have seen various kinds of reptiles, they come out during the day. I saw an alligator in August this year, and such incidents would not happen if the canal were cleared regularly. We are appealing to the government to come and clear the canal,” he said.
Another resident, who identified herself as Alhaja Shoaga, said: “I can’t remember the last time the government cleared the canal. We are appealing for something to be done.”
Chairman of the Community Development Area (CDA), Olive Estate, Oke-Afa, Clement Olajolo, said the area has been facing recurrent flooding since the Faseun Bridge became blocked.
“The situation worsens every day. Waste pushers are taking advantage of the situation and dumping their waste in the canal, causing a lot of havoc each time it rains. I have called the attention of the Lagos State Ministry of Drainage and Water Waste. I sent letters to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, involved Commissioners and Permanent Secretaries.
“I bought airtime on a TV station three years ago to air our plight so, the government cannot claim ignorance of the situation and flood. No effort has been made despite our outcry. I don’t know what to do anymore. Thousands of residents are affected so, they should rehabilitate the bridge.
“They should take a cue from the Community Bridge. It’s wide enough and debris can pass under but the Fasheun Bridge is choked up with waste. I appeal to the government to save our souls in Oke-Afa axis,” he said.
Reacting, Director of Public Affairs at the Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Kunle Adesina, said: “What is delaying the work is the contraventions that have cropped up in the area.”
“We will do the restoration after we have removed the contravention. It’s a lie to say the last time we were there was five years ago. We have been there three times in the last five years. We were there in 2020 and 2023. We will clean it again this year.”
