The Lagos State Government has reassured residents that there was no need to panic over the flash flooding experienced in some parts of the state on Monday, insisting that resilient infrastructure is in place to contain any eventuality.

The reassurance was given by the State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, when he featured on the X-Space "Ask Lagos".

The Commissioner attributed the flash flooding to the intensity of the rainfall, which was more than 15 hours in some areas, and the effect of climate change.

While speaking directly about the challenged areas in Ijede, he stated that a major contract to address the issue is ongoing. However, the intensity of the rainfall created undue pressure, which has been partially alleviated by opening up some parts to drain the water.

In his words: "Lagosians, there is no need to panic, climate issues are real-life issues. Let me assure all that the government will continue to put in place resilient infrastructure that we need as a state".

Wahab also charged residents to be courageous and blow the whistle when they see any infraction that is detrimental to the environment.

"Lagosians must always take responsibility by relating positively with the environment and by not dumping waste in the drainage, median, road setbacks, open spaces, among others.

"Endeavour to utilise the PSP operators in your area and most especially, blow the whistle when you see any infraction that could affect the environment. Say something, if you see something", he stressed.

He apologised to residents negatively impacted by the 15-16 hours of rainfall experienced in the state over the last few days, particularly mentioning areas around the Agungi corridor in Lekki and some areas in Ikorodu.

He stated that in the past few weeks globally, many countries have also experienced similar situations, saying that the cities of Texas had lost over 103 people to flooding, North Carolina had lost people, while the New York and New Jersey corridor was submerged.

He added that the government is not making excuses, but rather acknowledging the realities, noting that China is also experiencing its own challenges, as are some parts of Europe. He stressed that the present administration is deliberately ramping up its efforts by implementing resilient infrastructure statewide to address issues of flash flooding.

According to him, the government would continue to engage in advocacy because the people need to understand that in all these climate-related matters, the human element must also be reduced to the barest minimum.

"And what are those human elements? Taking your waste and dumping it in the drainage is a totally needless human element and causes flooding; taking your waste and dumping it on the roads, knowing that the only place it will go to after a downpour is the drainage".

"When it rains, these are recipes for flooding; taking your waste from your home and choosing to drop it at any illegal places is also a recipe for flooding. These are the advocacies the government has continued to intensify. "

Wahab also appealed to builders and developers in the state to ensure that due diligence is carried out before erecting any building, stressing that most building owners do not seek drainage clearance from the ministry before construction work begins.

He stated that most of these structures contribute largely to flooding being experienced in the Lekki axis, adding that the government is doing a lot to sanitise the environment, and citizens must also take responsibility for the environment.