Government, Community Leaders Rally for Shapati Canal Restoration

Government, Community Leaders Rally for Shapati Canal Restoration

Ibeju-Lekki Chairman Olowa Urges Residents’ Cooperation

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring the Shapati Canal (Channel 132) as part of efforts to tackle flooding and safeguard the environment in Ibeju-Lekki.

At a stakeholder engagement held on Monday at the Ayeteju Community Centre, the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, through the Office of Drainage Services (ODS), met with residents, property owners, and community leaders to deliberate on the urgent restoration project.

Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, stressed that maintaining functional drainage systems is a shared responsibility. He warned that flooding and environmental hazards would persist if residents fail to keep drainage channels clear of obstructions.

“Keeping our drains free of encroachments, illegal structures, and overgrown vegetation is not just a government directive—it is a matter of safety for lives, property, and public health,” Olowa said, urging full cooperation from the community.

ODS officials, including Engr. Adewunmi, Engr. Junaid, and Engr. Zubair, made technical presentations highlighting the importance of securing rights-of-way for drainage infrastructure. They explained that unrestricted access enables regular maintenance, timely inspections, and swift emergency response.

Residents were also sensitized on common violations such as construction on drainage easements, while property owners were guided on voluntary compliance measures. The officials assured that alternatives would be considered to minimize hardship while preserving the canal’s integrity.

The Ministry announced that follow-up inspections would take place within two weeks, after which enforcement measures would be applied where contraventions remain unresolved. Officials pledged that the process would be transparent and fair.

The interactive session featured contributions from homeowners, business operators, and environmental advocates, with participants applauding the government’s consultative approach to resolving the drainage challenges.