Exclusive: 20 Years After, Apapa Drainage Not Evacuated- Hon.Sebanjo, Executive Chairman,Apapa LG

• Exclusive:
  20 Years After, Apapa Drainage Not Evacuated- Hon.Sebanjo, Executive Chairman,Apapa LG

*Seeks partnership to make Apapa Investment friendly
*Stops toll collection in the LG

By Frank Odinukaeze

The perennial flooding of Apapa has been attributed to lack of maintenance of the drainage in the local government,which we gathered has not been evacuated in the last 20 years .
Apapa LG Executive Chairman Honourable Idowu Adejumoke Sebanjo revealed this during a visit by the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC) recently.
The Apapa local government chairman stated that ,”what is uppermost in my mind is how to deal with the drainage system in the area” she said.
According to her,”There are Four drainage canals in Apapa,but non has been evacuated in the last 20 years. This is further worsened by encroachment by people who sell along the road and who throw all manner of rubbish into the drainage”.she said.
She noted that Apapa has the best underground drainage system ,but owing to lack of proper

management,the benefits of these drainage systems are not harnessed.
Premium News Daily (PND) further gathered that mountain of refuse littered all over the place play a major contributory role in worsening the drainages in the area.PND findings revealed that weeds have taken over some of the drainages,even as most are littered with wastes which impede the flow of water ,which aids flooding in the LG.

On the issue of toll collection,Hon.Idowu stated that she has stopped toll collections in Apapa LG,because according to her ,she realized that the local government was not benefiting from the process as those collecting the tolls are enriching themselves at the expense of the LG.

She appealed to the PCC to do whatever it can to help the LG, stressing that the LG is ready to partner with individuals,corporate bodies ,agencies and private firms.
Speaking further on the challenges confronting the LG,she said plans are on the pipe line to sanitize the transport system in the LG, stressing that the chaotic nature of the transport system currently being witnessed ,will no longer subsist,as the LG plans to build a modern bus terminal to properly manage transportation in Apapa.
The Apapa local government Chairman,listed all the developmental programs the LG has lined up to do.These include:
Opening up Apapa for investors to come in and also making Apapa investment friendly
Improvement of infrastructures in the LG in other to make it attractive and safe for both businesses and private individuals.Beautification of Moshood Abiola Way : that is from the bridge descending from Leventis down to Airways.This Beautification include installation of street lights and flowers on the axis.

Responding, PCC peaking through, Capt.Emmanuel Ebubeogu, noted that the problem in Apapa and by extension ,port access ways are very challenging.He recalled that Dangote was given tax holiday, running into millions of Naira in exchange for the construction of Mile2 Oshodi Express Way .

He said however,”that road has been finished,but unfortunately, it has become non- motorable and inaccessible ,as it has been turned to a trailer park ,and made even worse with people selling all kinds of wares along the road including those selling fuel in Jerry Cans ,all encroaching into the road,thereby defeating the purpose for which the road was constructed”. He also noted that other challenges in the area are the Mobil Road,and the Dockyard Rail Crossing or Navy Junction,as they constitute potential dangers in the waiting. Capt.Ebubeogu ,however proffered solutions to some of these challenges in the area.He noted that government agencies do not work in synergy,and that informed why these challenges have ensued,adding that ,”the only way you solve socio- economic problem is through synergy”. He however outlined the following solutions to tackle the challenges earlier identified. These include,Good traffic Management,Maintenance of the roads,Ensuring security in the port area.

There must be good drainage system in Apapa.”We cannot build road and forget its maintenance.If the drainage is not there ,the road would not be good” he said
He noted that the provision of lighting around the port area must be tackled.
The PCC promised to do whatever it can to address some of the challenges the chairman of the local government listed.
PCC assured they will come back to the LG ,as it plans to arrange a conference with some of the government agencies like NPA,and NIMASA,to find a way to address some of the challenges raised.
It also promised to prevail on NPA and NIMASA ,to step up their Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR), to Apapa Local Government .The Council believes that if Apapa is sanitized,more businesses will come up and thrive in the area.
The Council affirmed the need to seriously tackle the threat of Okada in Apapa.
It also harped on the need for all to work in synergy,instead of going “Solos”.
Speaking earlier ,a member of the PCC,Mr Bolaji Sunmola,who stated the purpose of the PCC’s visit to the local government

noted that Apapa is the most important LG in Nigeria ,as almost all companies in Nigeria has something to do with Apapa.
Hon.Idowu Sebanjo, expressed appreciation to the PCC ,while pledging that the local government would be delighted to partner with the PCC
The PCC was led on the visit by the General Secretary of the Council,Mr.Patrick Ezedimbu.He was accompanied by Capt.Emmanuel Ebubeogu,Mr.Bolaji Sunmola,Mrs Peace Afaheme and two others from Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).