Opaleye Street, Ajegunle
Chijioke Iremeka
De-silting of drainages in preparation for the rainy season, over the years has, to a great extent, helped rid Lagos of mosquitoes, thereby, reducing the burden of malaria on an already frail healthcare system. CHIJIOKE IREMEKA writes that uncleared drainages remain a significant factor amplifying the risk of malaria transmission and flooding in several densely populated communities
The lamentation of 61-year-old Johnson Peters, echoing the sentiments of many residents in the Ajegunle community, underscores the impact of uncleared drainages on public health, well-being and the environment generally.
The father of five, who resides near a major drainage on Opaleye Street, Amukoko, Ajegunle, and whose house is usually flooded each time it rains, laments that the drainage has not been cleared in over eight years.
The sexagenarian noted that with each rainfall, floodwaters seep into homes, bringing mosquito larvae and pupae, which lead to increased malaria transmission and other infections.
Peters
This recurring issue disrupts daily life and poses significant health risks to the community, highlighting the urgent need for effective drainage maintenance.
According to him, the failure to desilt the canal running through Ajegunle to Ijora Badia remains the primary cause of flooding.
This neglect, he said has led to a severe mosquito infestation and increased malaria transmission due to stagnant water accumulating in the environment.
Mosquito
Peters noted that the stagnant water serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other diseases like diarrhoea, worsening health issues and underscoring the need to regularly maintain the canal to protect public health and prevent flooding.
He laments that flooding and mosquito infestations haunt the Opaleye community and four others – Agugu, Arurade, Ogunpeye, and Moshalashi.
According to him, in those areas, floods practically maroon residents in their homes, forcing children to miss school.
Drainage at Agugu, Ajegunle
He feared that with the onset of the rainy season, the canal, if not de-silted, would carry floodwaters containing a dangerous combination of stagnant water and deadly mosquitoes into their homes.
The elderly man told PUNCH Healthwise that the Opaleye community had petitioned the government several times but received no attention or response.
According to him, Ajegunle, a densely populated urban area in the Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State, has been grappling with inadequate infrastructure and this has been worsened by poor drainage maintenance
For the Rivers State-born retiree and countless other residents, the flow of floodwaters into their homes is a stark reminder of the menacing link between environmental degradation and public health crises.
He noted that when it rains at night, residents live in fear of having their children drowned by vicious flood water.
Murky, stagnant water on Opaleye Street, Ajegunle
According to him, with each flooding episode, the numerous poorly maintained drainages provide fertile breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
He insisted that these vectors, which thrive in stagnant pools of water sitting in the communities, perpetuate a cycle of malaria transmission that exacts a heavy toll on human health.
Mosquito repellents to the rescue
PUNCH Healthwise learnt that nobody stays outside at night due to painful, penetrating bites from blood-thirsty mosquitoes that have infested the community.
According to Peters, the only time residents get reprieve outside is when mosquito coils are lit to dispel them.
He narrates, “Children in particular bear the brunt of this burden because of their vulnerable immune systems. They are still too young to withstand the suffering that comes with malaria infections and that is why it affects them more.
“The weeds growing in the canal don’t allow for free flow of the water. As soon as the water gets close to the weeds, it flows back and settles around here and begins to enter people’s houses. All the streets get flooded.
‘Canal cleared last during Fashola’s administration’
Recalling the last time the canal was de-silted, he said, “I have been living here since 2009 and this drainage has not been cleared for years now. It was cleared every year during the administration of Babatunde Fashola, but ever since he left office as Lagos State governor, Ambode’s administration cleared it once and nothing has happened since then.
An uncleared gutter drainage Opaleye street
“The current governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu doesn’t know that people live here. He has never shown up here, neither has any government agency been here to clear the canal.
“As you can see, the canal is not made of concrete and we have appealed several times to the state government to clear the drainage and make a concrete one for us so that it would reduce the devastating effects of flooding and stop mosquitoes from breeding in the weeds that grow on the stretch.
“We don’t have money for drugs. Malaria drugs cost over N1,000, and we don’t have such an amount to spend on malaria drugs when we have not eaten.
“Some of the drugs you see here are fake. So you have to keep on buying until you get the ones that will be able to cure the disease,” he said with a pained expression.
Residents wear long socks to avoid mosquito bites
Complaining bitterly about the presence of mosquitoes and perennial flooding of Opaleye Street is a woman described as the ‘Royal Mother’ of Aiyetoro, Titilayo Olatoye.
When our correspondent went to her place, a bungalow surrounded by murky water, she was putting on long socks meant to prevent mosquito bites.
While speaking about the uncleared drainage, the woman, who happens to be the wife of the late traditional ruler of Aiyetoro, said, “You can’t stay here without wearing socks. I normally wear long socks to prevent mosquito bites that usually result in malaria.
“Not only do I wear it, I also rub mosquito repellant on my skin to drive them away too. We suffer from mosquito infestation because of the stagnant water in the uncleared canal. If it flows, it would flush them away but it doesn’t.
“We call on Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Ministry of Environment to come and clear our drainages and give my people good health. It was Fashola who cleared this last.
“The present governor started dredging some time ago but stopped at the Ifelodun end, meanwhile, this canal affects not only this place but five other communities.
“Each time it rains, whether heavy or light, everywhere would be flooded and the water would flow into houses. We are tired of seeing government officials here only during campaign time to make promises, after which they will disappear.”
Lamenting further, the elderly woman said, “The mosquitoes here are big and when they bite you, it looks like somebody pierced your skin with a needle. You can see how long my socks are. This is what I wear even inside. I still rub mosquito repellant on my skin too.
“Our drainage is poorly constructed and maintained. If you go to Surulere, you will see how well-cemented their canals are. That is what we need. We need a concrete canal so that the water can flow without difficulties.
“By clearing this canal and giving us a concrete drainage, the government would cut down on its malaria budget and would have solved to a reasonable degree, the burden of malaria in Nigeria.
“But what we hear is that my community doesn’t have anyone to represent us, which is why the matter has been lingering. They normally come to clear parts of the drainage in other communities, but they don’t get to our side. Due to this, malaria is the major illness troubling this community.”
Malaria burden in Nigeria
According to a 2022 World Health Organization report on Nigeria, malaria is a major public health concern, with an estimated 68 million cases and 194,000 deaths recorded in 2021.
WHO
The WHO noted that Nigeria has the highest burden of malaria globally, accounting for nearly 27 per cent of the global malaria burden.
According to the global health body, the risk of transmission exists throughout the country, all year round.
The report indicates, however, that the incidence of malaria is highest in the northern and northeastern parts of the country, indicating that Nigeria is one of the countries supported under the ‘High Burden to High Impact’ approach.
Symptoms of malaria
More drainage not distilled in Lagos
Besides the communities highlighted in Ajegunle, PUNCH Healthwise observed that many canals in communities across the state have yet to be de-silted.
Residents in those places, especially in the Idi-Araba, Mushin area, lament that malaria remains a persistent threat to them, taking lives and straining healthcare resources.
Section of a clogged canal running through idi-Araba with tonnes of waste. Photo – Sodiq Ojuroungbe
According to the Lagos drainage system, six major canals run through the state to ensure that the city is not overtaken or submerged in floodwaters.
These major canals are part of efforts to sustain a flood-free Lagos, hence, water from them empties into the Lagos Lagoon, Ogun and Owo Rivers.
The six major drainage systems in Lagos include the Odo lyalaro channel meant to drain floodwater from Agege, Ikeja, Maryland, Ojota, Ketu, and down to Agboyi Creek.
There is the Bariga-Shomolu channel, which drains through to the University of Lagos, and the Mainland.
The third drains the Surulere area; another runs through the Ikate area; the fifth runs through Ikoyi and creeks, while the sixth flows from Old Abeokuta Road to Isolo, Festac, and Tin Can.
PUNCH Healthwise learnt that while these channels are de-silted to a greater extent, the clusters of others that empty floodwaters into them are not.
Communities like Amukoko in Ajegunle, Alaba in Ojo, Ijesha-Oladende in Surulere, and Mushin, among others, based on findings, have had their share of poorly maintained drainages, which exposes residents to flood, mosquito infestation, and consequent transmission of malaria.
Also speaking on the neglect of the drainage, a Secretary and Special Adviser to a lawmaker representing Ajeromi Ifedolun on Youth, Bidemi Adeyemo, confirmed that for a long time, the major drainage in Ajegunle has not been abandoned.
Bidemi Adeyemo
Adeyemo, who is also the son of the late Baale of Aiyetoro community, where Opaleye Street is located said, “Since the administration of Fashola ended, nothing has happened here, yet this canal serves five different communities.
“The Lagos Ministry of Environment will come to Okoya, down to Olodi side, clear the drains and go without touching this area. They clear it from Iyano-Ajegunle, down to press to Coca-Cola, but this one that runs through five communities is not torched.
“We made an effort to get them to do it but it didn’t yield any positive result. We wrote to the Supervisor for the Environment in our local government and drew his attention to this particular area. He promised to make the appropriate quarters aware for possible action to be taken but it has been the same story.”
‘Malaria killing people here’
He added, “We suffer from mosquito infestation. Three days ago, people were complaining about mosquitoes everywhere, especially those from a church close to the canal.
“They complained about malaria and yet there is no money for them to buy anti-malarial drugs. Malaria is taking its toll on the masses and killing them. If we see anyone who would help to facilitate the distilling of this drainage, we would appreciate it most.
“We thank the government for the ones it has done but we want the Ministry of Environment to come and clear this canal to reduce the burden of malaria.
“We appeal to them to clear it now that the rain is here so that flood would stop flowing into people’s houses to destroy things. They should help us now, especially because of the prediction that Lagos will experience more rainfall this year. We are begging,” he appealed.
‘Mosquitoes, sand fly bites traumatising our children’
Similarly, Mrs Grace Awale, who said children are negatively, affected by perennial flooding, mosquitoes and sandfly bites, appealed to the Lagos government to help clear the major drainage abandoned for several years.
The mother of three said when it rains, the private school where her children attend gets flooded, disrupting academic activities in the community.
She said coming out without wearing a shirt or being properly clothed would be a costly mistake any resident of the Agugu community would make due to its dire consequences.
Awale showed our correspondent dark marks caused by a sandfly bite, lamenting that it is a major concern as her three children don’t come out of the house except when they are well covered even when the weather is hot.
Sand fly bites – Photo: Stars & Stripes
According to the WHO, Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by protozoan parasites, which are transmitted by the bites of infected female phlebotomine sandflies.
It noted that sandflies are attracted to densely populated areas because they feed on human blood.
WHO stated, “Poverty and flooding increase the risk for leishmaniasis, coupled with poor housing and domestic sanitary conditions such as lack of waste management or open sewerage may increase sandfly breeding and resting sites, as well as their access to humans.
“Climate change is affecting the spread of leishmaniasis through changes in temperature and rainfall, which affect the size and geographic distribution of sandfly populations.
“However, there are three main forms of leishmaniases: visceral, which is the most serious form because it is almost always fatal without treatment.”
The global health body also noted that there is cutaneous, which is the most common and usually causes skin ulcers and mucocutaneous affecting the mouth, nose and throat.
Recounting the challenges she faces due to the constant flooding of her home, Awale said she had to construct a high table to serve as a bed, where she keeps her children when it starts to rain, especially at night.
Recalling a frightening incident during which one of her children almost drowned, she emphasised the urgent need to address factors responsible for the constant flooding.
“Now that the rainy season is fully here, it has worsened our problems because the incidence of flooding is high. When you go out and the weather changes, you will become worried.
“We swim through the flood to get home or go out. Please if there is anything you can do to get the canal cleared, we will appreciate it.
“Our children don’t sleep on the floor at night to avoid getting drowned. Also, we don’t put cooked food or foodstuff on the ground to avoid getting them submerged by flood.”
Lagos should prioritise drainage maintenance – Environmental experts
In light of the foregoing, experts said that the economic toll of malaria is manifested not only in lost productivity, healthcare expenditures, and diminished quality of life, but it also further entrenches cycles of poverty and deprivation that engender ill health.
According to an Environmentalist with the Environmental Safety Initiative, Lagos, Muri Adekanbi, the need for concerted action is paramount, saying that the residents’ testimonies serve as a clarion call to policymakers, community leaders, and stakeholders alike.
Urging them to prioritise drainage maintenance as a matter of utmost urgency, he said that investment in robust drainage infrastructure, coupled with sustainable management practices is essential to mitigate the risk of flooding and reduce the incidence of malaria outbreaks.
“Community engagement and empowerment are indispensable in fostering resilience against the dual threats of flooding and malaria.
“By mobilising local resources and knowledge, empowering residents to take ownership of drainage maintenance initiatives, and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship, the communities can bolster their resilience and enhance their capacity to withstand future challenges.
Idi-Araba drainage
“Only through collective action and concerted investment in sustainable solutions can we hope to break the cycle of disease transmission, safeguarding the health and well-being of communities for generations to come.
“As we heed people’s impassioned plea for action, let us commit ourselves to build a future where the spectre of malaria no longer looms large, where communities are resilient, and where every individual can thrive in good health and prosperity.
“As families grapple with the debilitating effects of malaria, grappling with fever, body aches, and fatigue, the true cost of neglecting drainage maintenance becomes painfully apparent.”
Uncleared drainage fuels malaria outbreaks – Physician
A Consultant Public Health Physician at the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Delta State, Dr Ovie Efekodo, said that while malaria is caused by the plasmodium parasite, its spread is facilitated by vectors such as mosquitoes, which breed in stagnant water.
According to him, uncleared drainage stands out as a significant factor for malaria transmission.
He noted that uncleared drainage systems serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes, particularly the Anopheles species responsible for transmitting malaria.
“Stagnant water is a haven for mosquito larvae, fostering their growth and perpetuating the cycle of malaria transmission. Consequently, communities residing in areas with inadequate drainage maintenance face heightened vulnerability to malaria outbreaks.
“The consequences of uncleared drainage extend beyond mere inconvenience; they pose a grave threat to public health. As the masses lament over ill health and grapple with the debilitating effects of malaria, the urgency of addressing this issue becomes increasingly apparent.
“Malaria, characterised by symptoms ranging from fever and chills to severe complications affecting vital organs, exacts a heavy toll on individuals and communities alike, disrupting livelihoods and hindering socio-economic development.
Malaria adds to maternal/infant mortality burden
“Moreover, the burden of malaria disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women, exacerbating existing health inequalities.”
Efekodo added that children, with their still-developing immune systems, are particularly susceptible to severe malaria infections, which can lead to long-term health complications or even death.
Maternal/Infant mortality
Corroborating his position, a Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician at the Epe General Hospital, Epe Lagos State, Dr Cynthia Okafor said pregnant women face an increased risk of maternal and fetal complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and low birth weight, perpetuating a cycle of intergenerational health disparities due malaria.
Okafor emphasised that addressing the scourge of malaria requires a multi-faceted approach that includes tackling uncleared drainage, which is a critical component of malaria control efforts.
Dr Cynthia Okafor
She said, “Effective drainage management involves regular maintenance and clearance of debris and obstructions to ensure the unimpeded flow of water. By eliminating stagnant water bodies, mosquito breeding sites are eradicated, thereby, disrupting the malaria transmission cycle and reducing the incidence of the disease.
“Nevertheless, the challenge lies not only in implementing drainage maintenance measures but also in fostering community engagement and ownership of these initiatives. Integrated approaches that combine drainage management with vector control measures, such as insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying, yield synergistic effects in reducing malaria transmission.
“By addressing multiple transmission pathways simultaneously, these holistic interventions offer comprehensive protection against malaria, bolstering community resilience and enhancing health outcomes.
“In the face of escalating health threats exacerbated by climate change and urbanisation, the imperative to prioritise drainage maintenance as a cornerstone of malaria control cannot be overstated.
“As the masses lament their ill health, beset by the relentless onslaught of malaria, concerted action is needed to break the vicious cycle of disease transmission perpetuated by uncleared drainage.
“By investing in sustainable drainage infrastructure and fostering community-led initiatives, we can mitigate the risk of malaria outbreaks, safeguarding the health and well-being of present and future generations.
“Let us heed the call to action, lest we continue to bear witness to the preventable tragedy of malaria’s toll on human lives.”
Lagos environment ministry refused to comment
When contacted to speak on why the aforementioned water channels were not dredged or de-silted, the Director for Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Kunle Adeshina, declined to comment and referred our correspondent to the Commissioner, Tokunbo Wahab.
He said, “These questions will be answered by the Commissioner for Environment. I will send you his contact details. You can call him.”
However, all efforts to reach the commissioner failed to yield any positive results.
Tokunbo Wahab
Meanwhile, Wahab had earlier said the government had intensified dredging and cleaning of major drainage channels and canals across the state.
He said that the dredging and lining of the canal would ameliorate the difficulties encountered by residents during the rainy season and also save lives and properties.
The commissioner appealed to residents to stop dumping refuse in the drainages.
“I would like to appeal to all residents to take ownership of public infrastructure provided by the government in their communities, ensure they protect the canals and drains from refuse dumping, and do away with encroaching on canals and drainage right of way
“We are cleaning up our infrastructure and making them more resilient and this will be done continuously all year round, manually and mechanically across the state,” he assured.
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