In response to Wednesday’s heavy rainfall that inundated major highways in Lagos, Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has initiated an urgent desilting of drains along federal roads to alleviate the flooding.

Meanwhile ministry teams have been dispatched to evaluate the situation, with desilting efforts already in progress on the affected roads.

In a statement, Federal Controller of Work, Mrs. Olukorede Kaisha, clarified that Lagos is not experiencing widespread flooding, contrary to some reports.

She said: “The ministry acknowledged that localised flooding has affected certain sections of federal roads within our teams are currently deployed to assess the situation while desilting of drains along the affected roads is currently being carried out.

“The ministry understands the inconvenience caused by these flash floods and is committed to eliminating the disruptions caused thereafter.”

Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike has announced significant developments in infrastructure and judicial facilities in Abuja.

He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has authorized the construction of 40 houses for justices of the Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, and FCT High Courts, along with retirement homes for heads of these courts.

He spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Court of Appeal complex in Dakibiyu, Jabi District.

Wike assured completion by September next year after starting construction in August.

He said, “I want to assure you, by the grace of God, the foundation of these homes will be laid this August and before September next year, you will all have your keys to your houses,”

Recall that the minister had on Tuesday, inaugurated a new Taxi and Bus terminal in Kugbo, Karu District, aimed at improving commuting conditions and bolstering security during inclement weather in the FCT.

Highlighting the challenges faced by commuters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), particularly during the rainy season leading to significant loss of man-hours, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike emphasized that the new Taxi and Bus terminal in Kugbo, Karu District, Abuja, will enhance commuting comfort and bolster security.

He emphasized that the terminal’s establishment aims to alleviate these challenges, making travel within the FCT more enjoyable while addressing security concerns.

Incessant rainfall, which kicked-in since Monday in most parts of Lagos and Ogun States has disrupted businesses and lifestyles.

While residents and businesses in the flood-prone areas of Lagos Island including Lekki and Aja have been groaning with flood, which has sacked several people from their homes and barred others from their business premises, others have been stuck on the roads mostly rendered impassable by flashfloods.

In this regard, PUNCH Online reports that schools in White Sand Estate, Isheri-Osun in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, have closed their doors, advising students to stay at home as heavy rains and subsequent flooding have disrupted activities.

Conventional and social media platforms are awash with images, visuals and video clips of how the flood is ravaging several parts of Lagos and Ogun States.

There are widespread reports that the incessant downpour rendered homes flooded, with water reaching mid-level heights in several locations, sacking homes, businesses and blocking roads.

This severe flooding has left many residents trapped, unable to even sit down as their living spaces are submerged, PUNCH Online further reports.

As a precaution, several private schools in some parts of Lagos and Ogun States have formally advised parents to take custody of their children and wards encouraging the students and pupils, to stay at home due to the hazardous conditions of the roads and the school.

The message read, “Good morning dearest parents. Trust your night was splendid. Due to the downpour and a predicted serious rainy weather forecast today, we have decided to close the school and postpone today’s exam. As you can see, almost everywhere is flooded.

“As a school, we prioritise the safety of our geniuses above everything else. Consequently, the school bus will also not operate today. We are extremely sorry for all the inconvenience.”

Several eye witness accounts and media reports indicate that several locations were experiencing heavy flooding, which has made it impossible for commercial vehicles, private cars and motorcycles and other means of mobility to navigate.

The situation has compelled commuters to resort to trekking, with pedestrians being confronted with high risks because the flooding had blocked drainage channels.

Several people are beckoning on the affected state governments of Lagos and Ogun to take urgent steps to address the menace.

An employee in a tech firm in the Lagos Island area, Owadas Elijah, who could not access his office location because of the flood lamented the situation and pointed out that it has only made worse the plight of longsuffering residents.