Lagos flood: Police advises on alternative routes

Folake Sokoya

 

Due to the incessant rain in Lagos, parts of the metropolis on Saturday have been flooded causing traffic congestion and untold hardship for commuters.

In a release made available to Nationalwire.com.ng, and signed by the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, the Commissioner of Police has informed members of the public to avoid the popular Ahmadu Bello Way on Victoria Island.

“The Lagos State Police Command would like to inform members of the public that the Ahmadu Bello way in Victoria Island is temporarily closed,” the statement read.

The statement read further that, “Due to the heavy down pour of rain in the state, motorist plying routes like Ahmadu Bello way in Victoria Island and other areas prone to flood which has caused grid lock in the state are advised to take alternative routes made available by the traffic officials, this is because the flood in the area has caused us to temporarily block the road for safety.”

“We would like the public to note that the relevant traffic and security agencies are on ground to flush out the drains and thus secure road users in the state.”

For several days, Lagos has experienced heavy downpour which characterizes the rainy season in the state.

Meanwhile the state had earlier prepared for the rainy season by opening up water channels and canals to provide easy access for water. Although despite the early preparations some parts of the state especially around the Lagos Island and the Victoria Island have been experiencing flooding due to the continuous rainfall.

Lagosians are however advised to make use of alternative routes in order to avoid being trapped in the flood area and being caught up in traffic which could waste man hour. They are also expected to move round with umbrellas and thick clothes to avoid cold.

*Picture by Tayo Olanipekun