Ogun Dried River: Lagos Government Releases Statement - Politics

The Lagos State Government on Monday warned
residents to keep off the Ogun River, near the Kara Cattle
Market which was recently blocked by vegetation, saying
that the river could open up at any time with dire
consequences.
Last weekend, the river was taken over by vegetation,
caused by a heavy storm, which created a compacted
layer over the river.
Residents in the area were stunned by the incident and
turned the area to a tourist site of some sort, with some
residents seen walking on the blocked river and taking
pictures.
But the State Government in a statement signed by the
Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development,
Engr. Adebowale Akinsanya, said it was dangerous for
residents to besiege the dry area as the flow of the river
was still active beneath.
He said, “It is important to notify the public that have
been worried about the environmental consequence of a
dried up river to note that the flow of the river is still
active beneath the vegetation and the situation is been
evaluated.
“However, because of the compacted nature of the
vegetation residents and onlookers are of the erroneous
belief that the river has suddenly dried up and can walk
across the vegetation.
“A lot of people that have turned the place to a tourist
destination are unaware of the danger lying ahead. It's
important for the public to be aware that the vegetation
can give away at any time and can lead to a potential
disastrous situation,” he said.
He also advised residents to go about their lawful
business and as well desist from the habit of parking on
the bridge to take pictures, which according to him was
causing serious traffic, hardship and loss of business
time to other commuters on the road.
“Carrying out any activities on the blockage of this river
is unsafe, dangerous and disastrous.
Please keep off,” Akinsanya warned.
SIGNED

ENGR. ADEBOWALE AKINSANYA
COMMISSIONER FOR WATERFRONT INFRASTRUCTURE
DEVELOPMENT

JUNE 20, 2016