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CHALLENGES OF POOR DRAINAGE SYSTEMS AND FLOODS CONTROL IN LAGOS METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Abstract

Flooding is persistent in Lagos Metropolis. The objective of this study is to ascertain the causes, magnitude, and effects; and to indicate directions for policy makers and urban dwellers. Topographical maps were used for data collection on the physical environment. Some physical measurements were made of the drainage channels and floods. 200 inhabitants of the metropolis were randomly selected and made to respond to some questions. In addition, authorities in professionally related fields including policy makers were made to make contributions. Intermittent supplies and torrential rainfall in its seasons are usually beyond the capacities of the channels. These are compounded by inadequate planning of the physical environment, wastes dumped in drainage channels and erosion passages, and deliberate or inadvertent physical structures that block free flow of water along the drains.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1   BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Flooding is persistent in Lagos Metropolis. The objective of this paper is to ascertain the causes,  magnitude, and effects; and to indicate directions for policy makers and urban dwellers. Topographical maps were used for data collection on the physical environment. Some physical measurements were made of the drainage channels and floods. 2,000 inhabitants of the metropolis were randomly selected and made to respond to some questions. In addition, authorities in professionally related fields including policy makers were made to make contributions. Intermittent supplies and torrential rainfall in its seasons are usually beyond the capacities of the channels. These are compounded by inadequate planning of the physical environment, wastes dumped in drainage channels and erosion passages, and deliberate or inadvertent physical structures that block free flow of water along the drains. Floods are as wide as 500m and above on each side of the channels and as high as 2.00m at some times and localities. There are some advantages associated with it. Living habits of the inhabitants have to change. Physical planning efforts have to be drastic, radical and deterministic towards sustainable drainage and erosion
channels. There must be massive investment in dredging and re-dredging of the existing drainage network and channelization of the new suburbs. Floodable zones should be re-planned; and flood plains can be rehabilitated as parks and recreation centers.