ASSESSING THE EXTENT POOR DRAINAGE SYSTEMS HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO FLOODING IN LAGOS IN 2024

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Historical evidence demonstrates that certain communities have chosen to establish themselves in close proximity to rivers due to their desire to take use of the fertile soil, optimise the level terrain, conveniently access the necessary water supply for survival, and utilise the river for transportation purposes. In the past, these settlements evolved into communities by constructing houses on elevated soil, while lower areas were utilised for agricultural purposes (Lang et al., 2017). Among the various socioeconomic issues confronting the residents of these villages, the problem of flooding is particularly prominent. This statement is based on the belief that the frequency and consequences of severe flood occurrences have increased quickly on a global scale in recent times (Ademide et al., 2019). 

Furthermore, floods are currently recognised as the most prevalent natural disaster, resulting in significant loss of life in communities worldwide (Darren et al., 2023). As a result, there is a growing global concern to reduce the negative effects of floods. This is seen in international agreements such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the current Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The prevalence of floods is primarily influenced by the continual increase in the world's population growth rates and socioeconomic activity in flood-prone areas. Furthermore, the growing concerns regarding climate change have also been acknowledged as significant alongside other considerations. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2017) has observed that climate change leads to an increase in the likelihood and severity of extreme weather events, particularly in the form of more frequent and destructive flooding. Regarding exposure, it is estimated that almost 11% of the global population, equivalent to nearly 800 million people or more, is expected to face the risk of flooding (UNISDR, 2018).

In Nigeria, like in most underdeveloped countries, the consequences of floods are found to be more severe due to the heightened susceptibility of many communities. As an illustration, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) stated that the country had severe floods from July to November 2012. These floods led to 363 fatalities, over 2.1 million individuals being displaced, and almost N2.6 trillion in losses (Ogunlesi, 2017). The organisation additionally observed that the floods had a detrimental impact on more than seven million individuals in 30 states of the federation and were characterised as the most severe in the past four decades. According to published information, the number of persons affected by floods and the number of deaths in Nigeria between 2015 and 2020 were estimated to be 1,222,370 and 522 respectively (Anadolu Agency, 2020; BBC News, 2018; International Federation of Red Cross, 2019). According to Ugonna (2018), the widespread occurrence of flooding and its resulting effects have become important concerns in the national development agenda.

The primary causes of flooding in Nigeria include seasonal meteorological conditions and flash floods, particularly in rural regions and densely populated communities like Lagos. These occurrences are primarily attributed to inadequate or nonexistent drainage systems (Louw et al., 2019). Although flooding is a natural occurrence, it has a disproportionately severe effect on densely populated and impoverished places (Dewan, 2017; Egbinola et al., 2017). When floods occur in these areas, it leads to the problem of inadequate hygiene, which in turn causes an increase in diseases and pandemics. The water also gets contaminated, and there is a risk of loss of life. Impoverished communities exhibit greater susceptibility compared to other communities (Situngkir et al., 2017) due to their heightened exposure to natural calamities, substandard housing structures (which are prone to destruction), and insufficient or inadequately maintained drainage systems that exacerbate the adverse effects of flooding. Moreover, in the event of flooding, it causes a disturbance in economic operations, resulting in a decrease in the income of impoverished individuals. Additionally, it leads to the destruction of residences and other structures, and may also cause interruptions in educational activities. All these factors further intensify the poverty level of the residents in impoverished communities.

Flooding is a substantial environmental and socio-economic problem that impacts metropolitan areas worldwide. Lagos, the largest metropolis and economic centre of Nigeria, is especially susceptible to floods because of its coastal position, dense population, and rapid urban growth. Lagos encountered significant inundation incidents in 2024, which caused significant disruption to everyday activities, inflicted considerable harm to properties, and led to loss of human lives (Hakeem et al., 2024). An essential element that contributes to frequent floods is the inadequate drainage infrastructure in the city. This study seeks to evaluate the degree to which insufficient drainage infrastructure has worsened flooding in Lagos in 2024.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The recurrent and intense inundation in Lagos throughout 2024 has brought attention to the city's susceptibility and the insufficiency of its drainage infrastructure. The flooding problem has been attributed to the presence of inadequately built, insufficient, and poorly maintained drainage infrastructure (Hakeem et al., 2024). The drainage problems have been worsened by the rapid growth of cities, resulting in more water flowing over the ground and structures being constructed over natural water paths. The floods that have occurred as a result have caused severe damage to the economy, ecology, and the overall welfare of the population of Lagos. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct a thorough analysis of the drainage systems to understand their impact on these flooding incidents.

Lagos, as a coastal metropolis, grapples with the persistent issue of flooding. Over the past few years, the city has encountered different levels of flooding, leading to submerged automobiles, inundated residences, property destruction caused by fallen trees, and disrupted commercial activities. Many inhabitants in the state have expressed a considerable worry regarding the insufficient management of drainage systems, which is impeding the unobstructed movement of water through gutters and drains throughout the state. There are many blocked drains in Lagos, resulting in stagnant water that frequently exhibits discoloured hues. In areas such as Agege, there is a noticeable lack of attention given to the upkeep of the drainage systems, despite the fact that the Ministry of Environment, namely the Office of Drainage, in Lagos State receives annual funding for this purpose. This casts question on the efficacy of supervision over Lagos' drainage infrastructure.

In addition, there is a systematic approach to the process of cleaning drainage, usually in reaction to instances of floods. Although gutters are cleared and garbage is removed, the rubbish is frequently stacked next to the drains. As a result, when it rains again, the debris that has built up is carried back into the sewers, making the problem worse. Akanbi (2024) emphasised the difficulties encountered during the rainy season, specifically mentioning that the road becomes inundated with water, blocking the flow of traffic and leading to congestion as vehicles are forced to reduce speed in order to manoeuvre through the flooded section. Akanbi (2024) also observed that LAWMA conscientiously removes debris from drainage systems. Conversely, he highlighted concerns over the Agege market, where the cleaning of drains leads to the accumulation of garbage on the road. As a result, when it rains again, the water flowing over the ground carries the debris back into the drainage system.

Zubair (2024), a resident of Agege, described the significant and destructive impact of frequent floods during rains on properties in the area. These floods have occasionally led to loss of life and the destruction of buildings located near waterways and canals. Zubair emphasised that the flood is caused by both rainwaters in Agege and flooding in Oke-Aro area, Ogun State. This flooding flows into the Olaniyi canal in Oko-Oba area, passing through the State Abattoir before reaching the Aboru canal. This amplifies the destruction caused by rainfall. Olawale (2024) attributed the problem to human activity, specifically pointing out cases where individuals impede the natural movement of water by residing near waterways and canals or building homes in these locations. He specifically highlighted the unlawful disposal of waste by individuals pushing carts into the canal, intensifying floods during intense rainfall and resulting in significant harm, including fatalities. This study aims to evaluate the impact of inadequate drainage infrastructure on the occurrence of flooding in Lagos in 2024.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically assess the extent poor drainage systems have contributed to flooding in Lagos in 2024. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To assess the effectiveness of existing drainage systems in Lagos in managing flood during the year 2024

To analyze how deficiencies in drainage infrastructure have exacerbated flood risks in Lagos state.

To evaluate factors hampering the effectiveness of drainage system in managing flood in Lagos state

To proffer solutions to effectively manage flood incidents in Lagos state

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions will be answered in this study:

How effective are the existing drainage systems in Lagos in managing flood during the year 2024?

How have deficiencies in drainage infrastructure have exacerbated flood risks in Lagos state?

What are the Factors hampering the effectiveness of drainage system in managing flood in Lagos state?

What are the solutions to effectively manage flood incidents in Lagos state?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

The following research hypotheses are formulated to guide the study:

Ho: There are no significant factors hampering the effectiveness of drainage system in managing flood in Lagos state

Ha: There are significant fFactors hampering the effectiveness of drainage system in managing flood in Lagos state.

1.6 Significance of the study

The importance of this study goes beyond comprehending the immediate effects of inadequate drainage systems on floods in Lagos in 2024. The objective is to bring about fundamental changes in infrastructure development, governance, public health, and community resilience in order to construct a city that is both sustainable and resilient, capable of enduring future climate challenges. 

Lagos, being one of the largest and rapidly expanding cities in Africa, confronts substantial issues concerning urban flooding that are worsened by insufficient drainage infrastructure. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the role of inadequate drainage infrastructure in causing flooding incidents in 2024, with a specific focus on identifying key areas that require immediate upgrades. The purpose of this project is to provide valuable information to urban planners, engineers, and policymakers regarding the specific vulnerabilities in drainage systems that contribute to floods. This information will assist in making informed decisions about infrastructure investments and attempts to enhance resilience.

Moreover, the study will emphasise the cause-and-effect connection between inadequate drainage infrastructure and the occurrence of floods in Lagos. It will also advocate for policy reforms and enhancements in governance. The report will propose methods to improve drainage infrastructure, enforce construction codes, and incorporate urban design principles that are robust to climate change. The study's results can aid in the creation of all-encompassing flood risk management strategies, such as early warning systems, emergency preparedness plans, and community-based resilience programmes. These strategies aim to decrease Lagos' susceptibility to future flooding incidents.

Furthermore, future academics will employ it as a comprehensive analysis of the existing scholarly literature. Therefore, anyone who have an interest in this area of research can rely on this work as a trustworthy and thoroughly assessed source of knowledge.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically assess the extent poor drainage systems have contributed to flooding in Nigeria in 2024. Specifically, this study seeks to assess the effectiveness of existing drainage systems in Nigeria in managing flood during the year 2024, analyze how deficiencies in drainage infrastructure have exacerbated flood risks in Nigeria in 2024, evaluate factors hampering the effectiveness of drainage system in managing flood in Nigeria and also proffer solutions to effectively manage flood incidents in Lagos state.

The study is carried out in Agege, Lagos state.

1.8 Limitations of the study

As with any human endeavour, the researchers experienced many minor constraints during the investigation. The main limitation was the lack of extensive literature on the subject, due to the limited availability of data about the assessment of the impact of inadequate drainage systems on floods in Lagos in 2024. Hence, a significant allocation of time and exertion was necessary to ascertain the appropriate materials, books, or information and gather data. 

Furthermore, this study is constrained by its small sample size and narrow geographical scope, focusing solely on Agege, Lagos state. Therefore, the conclusions of this study cannot be extended to other situations, thus requiring further investigation. 

Moreover, the researcher's restrictions were primarily due to financial constraints, as they are a student without any source of income to sustain themselves. The exorbitant transportation costs at the research location, exacerbated by the prevailing inflation in Nigeria, posed a significant challenge in meeting the expenses associated with transportation.

Furthermore, the researcher faced a time constraint due to the need to do this research while still fulfilling the obligations of attending lectures and participating in other educational activities.

1.9 Definition of terms

Flood: Flood is an overflow of water onto normally dry land. The inundation of a normally dry area caused by rising water in an existing waterway, such as a river, stream, or drainage ditch. Ponding of water at or near the point where the rain fell. Flooding is a longer term event than flash flooding: it may last days or weeks.

Flood pattern: Flood pattern" refers to the correlation and relationship between various parameters, such as rainfall and temperature, that contribute to the occurrence and severity of floods.

Urbanization: Urbanization is the process through which cities grow, and higher and higher percentages of the population come to live in the city.

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