Residents of Baruwa-Igbo Efon community on the Lekki – Epe axis of Lagos State are lamenting the devastating effect of flood caused by the open water drain channel directed to their community from the Lagos – Calabar Coastal Highway.

The uncontrolled discharge of the open water channel, they said has already resulted in persistent flooding of residential compounds and access roads, while structurally weakening and causing damage to their buildings and perimeter fences.

In some situations, they said the flood has resulted in the destruction of household properties and personal belongings; increased health risks arising from stagnant and contaminated flood water; and causing severe disruption to transportation and movement within the community.

Looking at the socio-economic impacts, the residents through their Chairman, Chief Atanda Mudashiru and Secretary, Engr Zacheus Aladejobi, said the flood water has led to loss of business income due to reduced accessibility and flooding of shops and commercial premises.

Besides, they added that it has caused fear, anxiety, and displacement among vulnerable residents, including children and the elderly.

In a Save our Soul message signed by the residents’ association and the secretary, Mudashiru and Aladejobi respectively, and sent to the Federal Government via the Federal Controller of Work, Lagos, the rsidents are calling on the central authority to urgently intervene and stop the devastating open water discharge drain in their community.

They urged that this must be done before the peak of the rainy season further escalates the damage and suffering within the community.

“We write on behalf of the residents, landlords, business owners, and families within the Baruwa / Igbo Efon Community to urgently draw your attention to the worsening environmental and humanitarian situation caused by the open water discharge drain connected to the ongoing Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road project.

“The current drainage discharge arrangement has become a major threat to lives, properties, businesses, and the overall wellbeing of our community. Large volumes of storm water are being channelled directly into residential and commercial areas without adequate containment, diversion, or supporting drainage infrastructure.

“With the rainy season now commencing, the situation has become extremely alarming and requires immediate emergency intervention to prevent avoidable disaster,” the statement by the residents association read.

Going by estimates, the chairman of the association, Chief Atanda Mudashiru, said over 250 houses are presently exposed to direct flooding risks and structural damage; and that more than 1,200 residents and family members have been affected by the recurring water overflow and environmental hazards.

“Approximately 80 small and medium-scale businesses within the axis are already experiencing operational disruption and financial losses.

“Residents now live in constant fear that heavier rainfall in the coming weeks may result in catastrophic flooding, collapse of weak structures, destruction of livelihoods, and possible loss of lives,” he said.

In light of the urgency of the matter, the residents’ association is appealing to the Federal Government to urgently conduct an immediate technical inspection of the affected areas within Baruwa / Igbo Efon Community; deploy emergency drainage control and flood mitigation measures; construct appropriate discharge channels, retention systems, and flood-control infrastructure capable of safely managing storm water from the coastal road project.

The residents association wants the office of the Federal Controller of Work, Lagos to engage directly with community representatives and affected residents to develop sustainable long-term solutions;

The association wants the authority to ensure contractors handling the project implement proper environmental and drainage management safeguards.

“We acknowledge and appreciate the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development through the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road project.

“However, such development should not come at the expense of the safety, homes, businesses, and livelihoods of innocent citizens.

“This is therefore a passionate Save Our Soul appeal for urgent government intervention before the peak of the rainy season further escalates the damage and suffering within our community,” the statement read.