The Lagos State Government has deployed a swamp buggy to the Ogombo canal in Eti-Osa Local Government Area as part of emergency efforts to reduce flooding following days of heavy rainfall that affected several communities across the state.
The intervention comes after widespread flooding was reported in parts of Eti-Osa and Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Areas, where residents experienced waterlogged roads, blocked drainage channels and disruption to daily activities.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, announced the deployment on Thursday in a post on his X handle after inspecting flood-affected communities in the two local government areas.
According to him, the specialised equipment has already begun clearing and desilting the Ogombo canal to restore the free flow of stormwater and reduce the impact of flooding on nearby communities.
Wahab explained that the operation is designed to widen and deepen the drainage channel, allowing rainwater to flow more freely and helping floodwaters recede more quickly.
“Following the inspection of communities impacted by the excessive rainfall recorded over the past few days in Eti-Osa and Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Areas, the Lagos State Government has deployed a swamp buggy to the Ogombo canal to commence the clearing and desilting of the drainage channel.
“The intervention is aimed at widening and deepening the canal to improve the free flow of stormwater, enhance drainage capacity, and accelerate the recession of floodwaters in the affected communities,” he said.
A swamp buggy is a specialised amphibious machine designed to operate in wetlands, marshes and waterlogged areas where conventional earth-moving equipment cannot easily function. It is commonly used for dredging, desilting and clearing waterways to improve drainage and prevent flooding.
Officials said deploying the machine to the Ogombo canal would help remove accumulated silt, vegetation and other materials that restrict the movement of water through the drainage system.
The latest intervention is part of the Lagos State Government’s broader flood management strategy, especially during the peak of the rainy season, when heavy downpours often overwhelm drainage channels in low-lying parts of the state.
Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, experiences seasonal flooding every year due to its coastal location, rapid urbanisation and the increasing pressure on drainage infrastructure caused by population growth and physical development.
Communities in Eti-Osa, Lekki, Ajah, Victoria Island, Ikoyi and parts of Ibeju-Lekki are among the areas that frequently experience flooding after prolonged rainfall.
Flooding often disrupts transportation, damages homes and businesses, affects economic activities and exposes residents to health risks associated with stagnant water.
The state government has in recent years intensified efforts to reduce flooding through continuous dredging of canals, construction of new drainage systems, desilting of existing waterways and enforcement against illegal structures built on drainage alignments.
Environmental officials have also carried out routine inspections of major drainage channels across the state to identify blocked canals and ensure that flood control infrastructure remains functional.
Wahab has repeatedly warned that the effectiveness of these measures depends largely on public cooperation.
According to him, indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains remains one of the leading causes of flooding in Lagos, as waste materials block waterways and prevent rainwater from flowing freely.
The commissioner again appealed to residents to stop disposing of household waste, plastics and other materials into drainage channels.
He urged communities to work closely with government agencies by keeping drains clean and reporting blocked canals or illegal activities that could obstruct waterways.
Over the years, the Lagos State Government has invested heavily in flood control projects, including the expansion of major canals, rehabilitation of drainage networks and construction of retention ponds to manage excess stormwater.
The Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources also carries out regular sensitisation campaigns before and during the rainy season to educate residents on flood prevention measures.
The government has repeatedly advised people living in flood-prone areas to remain alert during periods of heavy rainfall and to avoid attempting to cross flooded roads or drainage channels, as doing so could endanger lives.
Residents have also been encouraged to report blocked drains and environmental violations to the appropriate authorities to enable quick intervention.
The latest deployment of the swamp buggy to the Ogombo canal reflects the state’s determination to respond quickly to flooding incidents and minimise their impact on residents and businesses.
Officials believe that the ongoing clearing and desilting exercise will significantly improve the canal’s capacity to carry stormwater, reduce the duration of flooding and strengthen the resilience of communities in Eti-Osa and neighbouring areas against future heavy rains.
As the rainy season continues, the Lagos State Government says it will sustain its flood control operations across the state while urging residents to support efforts aimed at protecting drainage infrastructure and keeping the environment clean.