As part of larger environmental revitalisation initiatives around the state, the Lagos State Government has formally turned over the proposed MTN Yello Park project in Obalende, establishing a 21-week delivery schedule.
Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, said this while touring Obalende and portions of Lagos Island to assess drainage projects and sanitary facilities.
He characterized the Obalende intervention as a deliberate attempt at urban redevelopment with the goal of converting a crowded area into a contemporary recreational center.
“Obalende has been anticipated for a long time. Compacting occupied places for appropriate use and adding value is at the core of our efforts to use the environment, he stated.
He claims that the massive telecom company MTN Group has taken over the site and plans to transform it into a cutting-edge park with sophisticated amenities.
He also stated that the project would include the rehabilitation of the nearby Macgregor Canal.
Wahab clarified that the government had come to an agreement with the transport operators currently occupying portions of the property to minimize disruption, even if they would be temporarily relocated.
“They have negotiated a deal with the haulers. Although there won’t be a permanent relocation, there will inevitably be some short-term disruption. They will be temporarily moved and then brought back after the work is finished. “Eggs must be broken to make an omelette,” he stated.
The commissioner also examined local public restrooms and saw that the state was stepping up efforts to reduce open defecation by building more infrastructure.
“We are increasing public restroom infrastructure throughout the state as part of our sanitation policy and advocacy against open defecation,” he stated. This will increase the number, which is already above 1,700.
Wahab emphasized that infrastructure by itself would not address sanitary issues without behavioral change and advised locals to make appropriate use of the facilities.
The inspection team also went to areas on Lagos Island that are vulnerable to flooding, such as Apogbon and Olowogbowo, where new construction has caused unanticipated flooding.
“We saw floods in Apogbon after the recent storms, which never happened before. Ongoing building has unforeseen implications, according to investigations. Corrective action is being taken, and we have contacted the Federal Ministry of Works,” he stated.
He called the prior conditions at Olowogbowo “heart-wrenching,” but he also pointed out that improvements had been achieved since earlier interventions.
The commissioner also evaluated the ongoing construction of the System 1 drainage channel, a significant flood control system that connects the Lagos Lagoon to various areas of the mainland.
He clarified that soil displacement during construction was the cause of recent concerns from Sholuyi and Bariga residents.
When workers installed the sheet piles, the soil’s characteristics caused subsurface displacement. “We used more equipment to clear the waterway after that caused a brief obstruction,” he said.
According to Wahab, flood control in Ikeja, Maryland, Bariga, Shomolu, and surrounding districts depends on the System 1 project, which was initially gazetted in 1974.
He stated that after the ongoing projects are finished, the dangers of floods would be much reduced.
“Our state is a coastline. We are unable to escape that fact. But we have to control it. This project will help to mitigate flooding substantially across the mainland,” he said.
The drainage project is anticipated to be finished by September, the commissioner revealed.
From the source, the Obalende Park project will enhance connectivity as a key gateway between Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and the Mainland; support flood mitigation by protecting the Macgregor Canal; and ensure no permanent displacement of transport unions and workers.
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