Lagos: Mrs. Lauretta Odusolu, Group Executive Director at Octo5 Holdings Ltd., has called on property developers to prioritize flood resilience in estate planning and development. In an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Odusolu emphasized the importance of integrating flood management into estate design to address the impact of recurring flooding on real estate development and property investment in Lagos State.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Odusolu stressed that developers should abandon the practice of constructing estates before addressing drainage challenges. She highlighted the need for flood risk assessments prior to land acquisition, considering factors such as flood history, elevation, natural drainage patterns, and proximity to waterways. Odusolu advocated for estate designs that include adequate drainage capacity, preservation of natural waterways, and measures to manage stormwater effectively.
Odusolu underscored the importance of designing roads and drainage systems in tandem to ensure safe stormwater management. She also recommended the use of permeable surfaces, landscaped areas, and retention ponds in flood-prone locations. Additionally, she emphasized the necessity of regular drainage inspection, cleaning, and desilting programs to maintain the effectiveness of drainage systems.
She called for stronger government approval processes to prevent developments from increasing flood risks for neighboring communities. Odusolu noted the government’s role in maintaining public drainage infrastructure and highlighted the need for developers to conduct rigorous flood risk assessments, especially in areas prone to flooding.
Odusolu pointed to forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on expected heavy rainfall as a guide for planning and development decisions. She stressed that flood risk assessments should include historical flooding data, topography, rainfall intensity, and potential impacts on surrounding communities.
On the topic of property investment, Odusolu advised prospective homeowners and investors to investigate flood history, property elevation, and drainage infrastructure before purchasing properties. She highlighted the long-term resale value implications for properties in flood-prone areas and the need for stakeholders to focus on the resilience of estates under severe rainfall conditions.
Odusolu highlighted Octo5 Holdings’ commitment to proper planning and investment in technology to prevent flooding across its estates. She mentioned the potential impact of coastal road construction and sand filling on natural drainage patterns as factors contributing to flooding.
In conclusion, Odusolu urged developers, government, and stakeholders to adopt coordinated approaches to flood management, making flood resilience an integral part of real estate value alongside title, structural integrity, location, and utilities.