Lagos Warns Residents To Keep Off Ogun River

Following the blockage of Ogun River near Kara Cattle Market in Berger area by vegetation, the Lagos State Government has issued warning to residents of the state to keep off the river.

Dried Ogun River
The state government in a statement signed by Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Adebowale Akinsanya yesterday, said the river didn’t dry off as speculated by some residents, but was blocked by vegetation, saying it could open up suddenly at any time with dire consequences. According to him, the river was taken over by vegetation last weekend as a result of heavy rain storm, which created a compacted layer over the river.
Residents in the area were stunned by the incident and turned the area to a tourist site of some sort, with some residents seen walking on the blocked river and taking pictures.
But Akinsanya said it was dangerous for residents to besiege the dry area as the flow of the river was still active beneath.

He said: “It is important to notify the public that have been worried about the environmental consequence of a dried up river to note that the flow of the river is still active beneath the vegetation and the situation is been evaluated.
“However, because of the compacted nature of the vegetation residents and onlookers are of the erroneous belief that the river has suddenly dried up and can walk across the vegetation.”
He also advised residents to go about their lawful business and as well desist from the habit of parking on the bridge to take pictures, which according to him was causing serious traffic, hardship and loss of business time to other commuters on the road.

source: NationalMirror