Residents Blame Poor Waste Disposal As Flooding Worsens Across Lagos
Improper Waste Disposal Linked to Rising Flood Incidents
RESIDENTS of several flood-prone communities in Lagos have identified indiscriminate waste disposal as a major factor worsening flooding across the state, saying blocked drainage channels continue to damage homes, disrupt businesses and pose serious public health risks.
In separate interviews, residents urged greater public responsibility in waste management while calling on government agencies to strengthen enforcement against environmental offenders whose actions obstruct the free flow of stormwater.
Their concerns come amid persistent rainfall and official warnings of increased flash flooding across Lagos and other coastal states.
Communities Count Economic Losses
Mrs. Jagila Bakare, a trader at Mile 12 Market, said drainage systems around the market are routinely clogged with plastic waste and food debris, preventing rainwater from flowing freely.
According to her, heavy rainfall often leaves roads submerged, discouraging customers from visiting the market and reducing traders’ daily earnings.
Similarly, Ajegunle resident Mrs. Chinweike Agbai described flooding as a recurring challenge, blaming residents who continue to dump refuse into gutters despite repeated public warnings.
She said floodwaters frequently enter homes, forcing families to spend money replacing damaged household items and carrying out repeated clean-up exercises.
Health Risks Increase During Rainy Season
Mr. Sunday Onyeagha, a trader at Jankara Market, warned that floodwaters mixed with refuse create hazardous sanitary conditions capable of exposing residents to various diseases.
He noted that besides destroying merchandise and disrupting commercial activities, contaminated floodwater has become an increasing public health concern.
Environmental stakeholders say responsible waste disposal remains one of the most effective ways to reduce flood-related health risks.
Experts Cite Poor Waste Management
The President of the Association of Scraps and Wastepickers of Lagos (ASWOL), Mr. Friday Oku, attributed much of the flooding experienced across Lagos to poor waste disposal practices.
According to him, Lagos generates approximately 13,000 tonnes of waste every day, much of which includes plastics and other materials that eventually block drainage channels and waterways.
“It is not the rain alone that causes flooding. When drainage channels are blocked by plastics and other waste, water has nowhere to go and ends up flooding homes, businesses and roads,” he said.
Oku stressed that improved waste collection, regular refuse evacuation and sustained public awareness campaigns are critical to reducing flood risks.
Government Intensifies Flood Control Measures
The Lagos State Government has continued to urge residents to avoid dumping refuse on roads and inside drainage channels, describing public cooperation as essential to effective flood management.
Authorities said they have intensified waste evacuation, drainage desilting and enforcement against illegal structures obstructing drainage alignments.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned of heightened risks of flash flooding across Lagos and other coastal states as the rainy season intensifies.
The Lagos State Ministry of Health has also cautioned residents that contaminated floodwaters and blocked drains could increase the likelihood of disease outbreaks.
Stakeholders maintain that while government investment in drainage infrastructure remains important, lasting flood control will require greater environmental responsibility from residents.
