Residents of Fowora Close in Ajao Estate, Lagos, have raised concerns over persistent flooding, attributing the situation to an abandoned drainage project and poor urban planning.
The Chairman of the Ajao Estate East Community Development Association, Olusegun Fowora, said the flooding problem, which dates back to 2007, has worsened over the years as increased construction activities continue to channel floodwaters into the area.
According to him, water from adjoining streets, including Awoniyi Elemo and Adele Close, flows into Fowora Close, leaving homes and roads submerged whenever it rains.
Residents said they had repeatedly written to government agencies before officials eventually inspected the area. A contractor was deployed in January 2025 to construct drainage channels, but the project was allegedly poorly executed and later abandoned.
Fowora claimed the contractor constructed a one-sided gutter that failed to address the most affected areas and also damaged residents’ driveways, leaving them to carry out repairs themselves.
Although the contractor reportedly resumed work recently after receiving payment, residents said efforts were focused on another street, leaving their community neglected.
A visit to the site revealed a worsening situation, including a residential building gradually being submerged and abandoned construction materials left behind.
Another resident, Wale Akintola, said the damaged infrastructure has forced residents to park vehicles outside, exposing them to theft and vandalism.
Residents have called on the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources to intervene and ensure the completion of the drainage project.
Reacting, the ministry’s spokesperson, Adekunle Adeshina, said project execution decisions lie with government engineers and promised to provide further updates.
