EFFECTS OF FLOODING ON URBAN LIVES AND PROPERTIES IN LAGOS, NIGERIA
Main article
Abstract
Flooding in the past few decades has made people experience economic losses. Floods in Lagos, Nigeria have increased in many folds and have resulted in major loss of livelihoods, and destruction of economic and social infrastructure. This paper examines the effects of flooding on urban lives and properties in Lagos, Nigeria with the view to evolving best practices to limit its impacts on the residents’ livelihood and properties. The paper assessed the causes of flooding, the garbage disposal method and the impact of floods on the residents. Data were sourced from both primary and secondary sources through field survey; 128 questionnaires were administered to the respondents which resulted in 124 being retrieved. Findings show that it takes about a whole day (24 hours) for water to dissipate, and that the most common garbage disposal method in the study area is through PSP (Private Sector Participation). Findings also showed that prolonged rainfall, strong winds, impervious nature of the soil, improper waste disposal, and inadequate drainage system are the major causes of flooding. The study concluded that flooding has effects on residents’ lives and properties and often results in livelihoods being lost. Therefore, steps should be taken to dredge waterways and tributaries by the National Inland Water Authority (NIWA). Furthermore, the development of buildings should be closely monitored by the concerned Government agencies to ensure houses are not built on natural water drainage channels.
