AWC TRANSPORTATION DESK
…Okun-Alfa Community Raises SOS Over Devastating Flooding, Urges Urgent Government Intervention on Coastal Highway Drainage Concerns
Lagos Nigeria – Eti-Osa LGA
Residents of Okun-Alfa Community (Alpha Beach axis) in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State have issued an urgent SOS appeal to federal and state authorities following devastating flooding that has submerged homes, businesses, and access roads across the community.
The residents say the situation has reached crisis levels after days of heavy rainfall, leaving many families displaced and forcing several households to abandon their homes as floodwaters continue to rise.
Community Describes Humanitarian Emergency
In a strongly worded distress message signed by the Chairman of the Okun-Alfa Community Development Association (CDA), Hon. Prince Sheriff A. A. Elegushi, the community described the situation as a humanitarian emergency requiring immediate intervention.
Residents say they are now effectively stranded within their own neighbourhood, with movement restricted and property damage escalating.
According to the CDA, the flooding has severely disrupted daily life, with residents lamenting loss of shelter, livelihoods, and safe access routes.
Allegation of Drainage Disruption Linked to Coastal Highway Project
The community attributed the worsening flood condition to disruptions allegedly caused by the ongoing Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project, stating that the construction activity significantly altered the natural drainage channels that previously served the area.
They further alleged that the alternative drainage structures introduced during the project are inadequate and unable to cope with current rainfall intensity, thereby worsening water retention within residential zones.
While residents acknowledged the importance of the federal infrastructure project, they insisted that mitigation measures promised during engagement with contractors have not sufficiently addressed their concerns.
Appeal to Federal and State Authorities
The community has called on a wide range of authorities to urgently intervene, including:
- The Honourable Minister of Works
- The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos State
- The Lagos State Government
- The Director of Drainage Services
- The Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources
- The National Assembly Committees on Works and Environment
- Hitech Construction Company Limited
They are requesting immediate deployment of emergency drainage and flood-control measures, including equipment, technical teams, and long-term engineering solutions to prevent further destruction.
The CDA stressed that delays in intervention could worsen the humanitarian situation, warning that more homes and lives remain at risk if urgent action is not taken.
Calls for Legislative Intervention
In follow-up appeals, residents urged the Senate Committee on Environment and other relevant legislative bodies to visit the community and engage stakeholders directly, arguing that only higher-level intervention can ensure accountability and swift corrective action.
They expressed concern that previous assurances given during project commencement had not translated into effective on-ground protection for the community.
Government Response and Planned Visit
In a positive development, the community disclosed that they have received assurances that the Minister of Works is expected to visit the affected area on Sunday, while officials from the Federal Ministry of Works and representatives of the Senate Committee are also expected to be in attendance.
Residents have described the planned visit as a hopeful step, but insist that only immediate, visible intervention will restore confidence and prevent further destruction.
Community Stance
While expressing appreciation for ongoing federal infrastructure development efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, residents maintained that contractor performance and drainage safeguards must be urgently reviewed to prevent further suffering.
They emphasized that their appeal is not a rejection of development but a call for responsible execution that protects host communities.
Conclusion
As floodwaters continue to rise in Okun-Alfa, residents say their greatest hope lies in swift government and contractor response, warning that without immediate action, the situation could escalate into a larger environmental and humanitarian disaster.
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