• Finally, Flood recovery measures such as counseling, compensation and insurance should be put in place.
The pros and the cons of the policy of flood insurance should however be weighed before implemented. Also,
the sociological aspects of coping with flood in affected areas should be taken seriously and appropriate
C. B. Okoye, V. N. Ojeh
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counseling given to affected victims.
Currently, Some of these measure are already being put in place by the Lagos State government. An article in
the [19] stated, “Given the prediction of Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) that this year will witness
heavy rains, the Lagos Government has commenced construction of drainages and canals in the Surulere Local
Government Area to reduce the impacts on its citizens”.
Also, The Lagos State Government is clearing slums, especially those on the drainage channels and right of
way. Recently, at Adelabu area in Surulere, behind an elitist school, Fountain Heights Secondary School, a slum
community of over 2,000 inhabitants including women and children, were given an eviction notice to allow for
the construction of channels and drainage to check flooding in Surulere, which has been a yearly occurrence due
to the activities of these people [19]. Also, the Lagos state commissioner for environment, Mr Tunji Bello said
that the government would no longer tolerate the construction of shanties and on drainage channels.
However, the governments both at the state and local levels have to do more in order to prevent/reduce future
occurrences of flooding in Surulere. If all or most of the measures listed above are taken into consideration and
embarked on, flood incidences in Surulere would be greatly reduced.