The Ogun State House of Assembly Committee on Justice, Ethics, and Public Petitions recently conducted an on-site review of several communities in the Ifo 2 Constituency. These areas have been significantly impacted by the ongoing Lagos State Government Water Pipeline Project, with residents voicing strong concerns over the environmental damage caused by the construction.
Spearheaded by Committee Chairman Oluseun Adesanya, the lawmakers visited communities in the Akute, Baale, Alausa, and Oke-Aro regions on Wednesday. Their goal: to directly observe the environmental toll the project has taken on these localities.
This inspection came after weeks of thorough discussion and prior meetings with key stakeholders. Those engaged included representatives from the Lagos Water Corporation, Salini Nigeria Limited (the project’s contractor), and members of the affected communities.
During their tour, Chairman Adesanya and committee members—Folawewo Salami, Samsideen Lawal, and Dickson Awolaja—met with leaders from the Baale Akinosi Area Community Development Council to hear residents’ perspectives first-hand.
Expressing deep concern about the dangers and disruption resulting from the project, the committee emphasized the urgent need for effective solutions to protect both lives and property in the affected areas.
Adesanya assured residents that the Assembly is committed to taking firm legislative action if government bodies fail to address the current problems promptly.
He noted that while infrastructure growth is essential, it must never come at the expense of environmental integrity or the safety of local populations.
“The level of destruction we’ve witnessed here is alarming,” Adesanya reflected.
“We won’t allow this issue to be ignored. If immediate remedies aren’t put in place, we’ll be compelled to take more robust action to protect our constituents,” he declared.
The committee announced plans to summon another meeting with stakeholders in the coming weeks, aiming to develop permanent solutions to these ongoing problems.
Adesanya also emphasized that while the Assembly prefers dialogue and collaboration, it stands ready to use its legislative powers to ensure results if required.
In reaction to the visit, Reverend Joshua Adegbola, Chairman of the local Community Development Council, confirmed that the water pipeline project has severely disrupted the natural water flow, sparking repeated flooding and worsening erosion—making it harder for residents to safely live in their homes.
Adegbola lamented that despite numerous pleas for help, little progress has been made, forcing residents to endure unnecessary hardship.
He called for urgent intervention from the government to avert an even greater environmental crisis for these communities.
Nonetheless, Adegbola expressed hope that the involvement of the Ogun State Assembly would finally deliver tangible relief for those affected by the pipeline project.
