The Federal Government has directed the immediate dredging of the sand-filled Kuramo Lagoon in Lagos as a key measure to address recurrent flooding in parts of the state.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, made the announcement on Monday while inspecting the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. He clarified that the highway is not responsible for the flooding affecting nearby communities.
According to Umahi, investigations showed that Kuramo Lagoon designated as a major flood collection point in Lagos State’s drainage master plan had been illegally reclaimed with sand by residents.
This encroachment blocked its ability to handle floodwaters effectively. The Surveyor-General of the Federation has already placed a warning sign at the site to deter further illegal activities, and the government has ordered the removal of sand deposits to restore the lagoon’s natural flow.
The minister firmly dismissed claims linking the coastal highway to the flooding. “You cannot block the channel and be crying about flooding,” he stated, emphasizing that the lagoon was meant to receive runoff from surrounding areas but had been compromised by human interference.
Umahi noted that the highway project has actually improved drainage in some sections by channeling water away from vulnerable zones.
Regarding flooding around Alpha Beach, he said the issue predated the construction and stemmed from poor original planning and development of the estate.
Long-term solutions, he added, may require building additional drainage infrastructure, a service lane, and in some cases, demolishing structures obstructing water channels. “Some buildings must have to go,” the minister said.
He pointed out that flooding is a nationwide challenge, citing recent incidents in states like Adamawa, Bauchi, Niger, Taraba, and Delta, and called for coordinated efforts to tackle it.
To maintain the highway corridor, Umahi directed the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos to deploy 40 personnel on rotational shifts to monitor culverts and manholes and prevent refuse dumping.
The move to dredge Kuramo Lagoon forms part of broader efforts to restore vital drainage infrastructure and reduce flooding risks in Lagos.
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