Early this year, the Fourth Lagos State Climate Change Summit
held. It was the fourth time, as stated by the governor in his speech, that
Lagos was hosting a Climate Change Summit to discuss the effects of global
warming and climate change, and proffer solutions. He also had some other
noteworthy things to say such as, “...How many more
ordinary people – men women and children in Lagos and indeed Nigeria, know
about climate change and how it affects them? Does Iya Monday the pure-water
seller know that she must encourage her customers to dispose of the sachets
properly or return them so they can be recycled so that we can curb flooding?...”
He then went on to speak about rainfall; the subject of this article, here’s what he had to say. “…Right here in Lagos, on the 13th of February this year, Lagos experienced unprecedented rainfall that caused damage to at least 49 public schools and one administrative building. To repair the damage alone will cost approximately N1.6 billion. But that is not as painful as the nine young lives that were lost, when a boat conveying the pupils to school that morning capsized and they all drowned. This was a rainstorm in the middle of the month of February, a month, (like August and March) hitherto not associated with such extreme weather conditions…”
Still on the subject of rainfall, “…Already we have been told to expect about 236 days of rainfall this year and the intensity of recent rainstorms are a pointer to the fact that the rain may fall with even greater fury this year...the realities are real here in Lagos too. Just try to imagine 236 days of rainfall in a year of 365 days...” This figure was provided by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency, using the Seasonal Rainfall Predictions instrument, as was confirmed by the Lagos Commissioner for the Environment, Tunji Bello. He had this to say,“…rainfall will commence from Thursday, March 22, with a margin of error of four days…the end of the season for 2012 is November 12 with a margin of error of two days; with between November 10 and 14 as probable days…”
Now that we have settled the fact that there’s going to be rainfall in intensities greater than what we witnessed last year, its best we start to put proactive measures in place to ensure that (a rather sad) history does not repeat itself. Thankfully, the government seems to be fully involved this time as the commissioner assured Lagosians at a recent press briefing, stating that the government had put programs in place to manage the situation and minimize flooding. Some of the efforts he listed include, the massive clearing of drainages, dredging of primary and secondary channels, lining of many earth channels and the introduction of resident drainage maintenance officers in local councils in the state were parts of efforts by the government.
The commissioner further said, “…But little can be achieved without the collaboration of Lagosians. No nation can promise a flood free state, only reduce it to barest minimum…We appeal that Lagosian should desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse, drains around homes must be evacuated and building of structures on drainage alignments must stop…”, building on what the governor had previously said in his own speech, “…Every one of us can play a part in saving our planet, starting from little everyday changes in our lifestyle…” Hence, what are some of the things we, as citizens can do as we await the rains and floods? I have searched the internet thoroughly and come up with links easy and practical things we can do. These are the links
1. http://www.water.ca.gov/floodmgmt/docs/flood_fight_methods.pdf
2. http://www.lrp.usace.army.mil/documents/Corps_Flood-Fight_Handbook_2009.pdf
3. http://www.nww.usace.army.mil/html/offices/op/em/howtobag.htm
I have taken out time to go through them and they are really quite helpful – I sincerely hope you do the same because, in the final words of Babatunde Raji Fasholas’ speech, “…If we fail to listen, then it is we, and more painfully, our children, who will bear the brunt of its consequences…”
Sources
1.
The official website of the Lagos State Government.
2.
www.punchng.com
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