FG Orders Kuramo Lagoon Dredging, Clears Coastal Highway Of Lagos Flooding Claims

The Federal Government has ordered the dredging of the sand-filled Kuramo Lagoon in Lagos as part of efforts to address persistent flooding in parts of the state, insisting that the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is not responsible for the recent flooding.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this on Monday during an inspection of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

According to the minister, investigations revealed that Kuramo Lagoon, identified in Lagos State’s drainage master plan as a major flood collection point, had been illegally reclaimed with sand, preventing it from performing its natural drainage function.

Umahi said the Surveyor-General of the Federation had already erected a warning sign at the site to prevent further encroachment, while the Federal Government had directed that the lagoon be dredged to restore its water flow.

He dismissed claims that the coastal highway project contributed to flooding in surrounding communities, arguing that the project had instead improved drainage by creating channels for floodwater.

“You cannot block the channel and be crying about flooding,” the minister said, attributing the problem to illegal activities that obstructed the lagoon’s natural outlet.

Umahi also rejected allegations linking the highway project to flooding around Alpha Beach, maintaining that the area had experienced flooding long before construction of the road commenced.

He explained that resolving the challenge would require additional drainage infrastructure, the construction of service lanes and, where necessary, the removal of structures obstructing natural waterways.

According to the minister, flooding is a nationwide challenge that extends beyond Lagos, citing similar incidents in Adamawa, Bauchi, Niger, Taraba and Delta states.

To improve maintenance of drainage facilities along the highway corridor, Umahi directed the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos to deploy 40 personnel in day and night shifts to monitor culverts and manholes and prevent indiscriminate waste disposal.

He stressed the need for greater public discipline, warning that indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels continues to worsen flooding across the state.

The government expressed optimism that the dredging of Kuramo Lagoon and improved maintenance of drainage infrastructure would significantly reduce flooding in affected communities.