LAGOS State Government on Saturday advised residents  living around the tributaries of Ogun River to move away due to the impending flood that may occur during this rainy season.

The State Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Engr. Muyideen Akinsanya, gave this warning.

He added that  there would be heavy downpour, which would eventually lead to flooding in some parts of the state this year.

Areas such as Mile 12, Agiliti, Thomas Laniyan Estate, Owode-Onirin, Agboyi, Owode Elede  and Isheri North  Scheme, are susceptible to flooding.

He also said that the state government would soon complete the  residential structures being built at Agbowa for the residents of the affected areas to move in.

According to him, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) has predicted heavy rain, which will consequently increase the water volume of the various dams.

“These dams are likely to overflow or collapse if not opened, and  when this happens, properties and lives along its path will be destroyed,” he said.

Considering the fact that the state government lacks effective disaster management machinery in the area of flooding, the permanent secretary called on residents to abide by the numerous environmental laws.

He urged the residents to desist from throwing garbage in the drains and canals; desist from building structures along the drain, and vacate water path in case of heavy flooding.

As a proactive measure to combat the looming flooding, Akinsanya said that the government had built over 133 concrete secondary storm water collector drainages with which more than 8.2 million people had benefitted.

To change the attitude of the residents from blocking the drains, Akinsnya said that a control strategy and surveillance had been developed by the State Waste Management Authority to prevent dumping of refuse in the drains.