The Lagos State Authorities has begun deploying synthetic intelligence-driven programs to detect early warning indicators of flooding, as a part of efforts to mitigate the affect of the wet season throughout the state.
Commissioner for Surroundings and Water Sources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this throughout an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday whereas outlining the federal government’s flood preparedness technique, noting that Lagos’ geography makes it notably susceptible to flooding.
“We’re a coastal state. We share 187 kilometres of our borderline with the Atlantic. 25 per cent of our 3,577 sqkm of land is water,” Wahab mentioned, explaining that areas comparable to Lekki have been beforehand swamps earlier than being reclaimed for city growth.
To handle these challenges, the state has launched AI-powered and technology-driven monitoring programs to trace water ranges and oversee waterways throughout Lagos in actual time.
The initiative enhances current flood management measures, together with the actions of a devoted “flood abatement gang” throughout the ministry, which operates across the clock to clear drainage programs and guarantee water flows freely.
In accordance with Wahab, the crew performs a crucial position in tackling flooding, noting that efficient drainage administration may resolve as much as half of the state’s flood-related challenges.
He said, “We’ve now arrange early warning indicators, AI pushed, know-how pushed. So, we now monitor our waterways, monitor the water degree statewide. What we did final week Friday was to announce to Lagosians what the wet season can be like.
“Fortunately additionally, we’ve a gang within the ministry. We name them the flood abatement gang. They work 24 hours, each day of the week and we are saying to ourselves, ‘if they’re on it they usually succeed, 50% of the drainage challenges, flood points in Lagos can be resolved.’ Wherever we additionally discover out that persons are attempting to dam our waterways, we by no means hesitate to take away these contraventions. Painfully, we do them after which we now substitute them with both planting the mangrove or preserving the wetland or then we now put the infrastructure required.”
Wahab additionally addressed environmental issues linked to indiscriminate waste disposal, reiterating that open burning of refuse is prohibited in Lagos. “For people who burn waste, it’s illegal in Lagos state. We’ve additionally put throughout the state, statewide now, air high quality screens,” he mentioned.
Melissa Enoch
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