The Effect Of Hazardous Metropolis: Flooding And Urban Ecology In Nigeria

The Effect Of Hazardous Metropolis: Flooding And Urban Ecology In Nigeria

Chapiter 1

Introduction

1.1 Background of the study

The complexity of human activities without adequate consideration for the geological structure of most cities in developed and developing countries have undoubtedly contributed to disaster recurrence and pose a threat to the sustainability of the environment in most of these countries (Oludare et al., 2018). This has unquestionably resulted in or built up to unresolved issues. Violent flood incidents that have occurred during the past forty years are one of the unaddressed problems that are currently being faced. Third-world nations are particularly affected because of intense land use, uncontrolled growth, and enormous urbanization, among other factors. “Most of these cities are also characterized by uncontrolled development, substandard and inadequate housing, poor infrastructure provision and development, poor planning process and administration, weak urban governance, poor land use structure resulting in slum…,” claim Adeyinka et al. (2008, p. 1). Cities in developing nations, particularly Nigeria, are plagued by this cornucopia of issues.As a result, most of the urban centers of developing countries have seen tremendous floods and the negative effects they bring (Montoya Morales, 2002). According to reports, for instance, devastating flood disasters occurred in Nigeria in Ibadan (1985, 1987, 1990, and 2011), Osogbo (1992, 1996, 2002, and 2010), Yobe (2000), Akure (1996, 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006), as well as the coastal cities of Lagos, Ogun, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Uyo, and Warri, among others (Olaniran, 1983). Many lives were lost as well as numerous properties worth millions of Naira. Numerous anthropogenic influences have increased the likelihood of flooding. The spread of development into flood-prone areas is one of these factors. Due to extraordinary levels of urbanization and industrialization, which unquestionably have led to large-scale, catastrophic deforestation, loss of surface vegetation, and loss of farmlands, the intrusion into such places has been progressing up until this point.The invasion of unplanned and uncontrolled development into urban infrastructure facilities, according to Okechuckwu (2008, p. 272), “violates the major objectives of physical planning and consequently results in misuse of land, creating disorderly arrangement of urban landscape and the occurrence of flood that is mostly evident in cities of third world countries.” The incidence of floods, particularly in Lagos, has been recognized to be crucial to specific areas or local government in the state as a result of these bizarre and unplanned growth in third-world cities.If not properly channelized, water will always find its way, according to Oyebande (1990). By interfering with man’s physical surroundings, health, and the byproducts of agriculture, urbanization, and industry, it frequently causes issues for him. The environment and the populace have paid a high price for this in terms of social and economic costs. A few of these social and economic factors that have an adverse influence on the environment include disease outbreaks, damaged infrastructure, affects on mental health, building collapses, and the destruction of farms and agricultural products.According to Petak and Atkisson (1982), flooding has been described as a serious and destructive issue in various spheres of the economy. It has significant negative consequences on almost all types of land usage. The rate of development of the majority of the nations affected also reflects how severe its effects are. Thus, if sufficient attention is not paid to limiting its infrequent occurrence and its related repercussions, especially during the rainy season, its incidence can cause a developed country to revert to being a developing country.

1.2 Statement of the problem:

The equatorial climate of Lagos experiences year-round rainfall, however the majority of it occurs between March and April and September or October on average [Israel, 2002]. According to Nkwunonwo et al. (2015), the average monthly rainfall during the rainy season might surpass 200 mm, which is typically larger than the soils’ capacity for infiltration and quickly causes the formation of runoff that overwhelms the drainage system (both natural and manmade). The geography of Lagos is low-lying, with slopes that are typically between 1 and 4 percent and heights that range from or below sea level to about 2 meters above sea level [Sojobi et al., 2016]. The low slope angle slows down water drainage from the land, and when paired with the rise in runoff output brought on by urban growth, the flood risk gradually rises. Flooding has been a problem in Nigeria since at least the 1950s [Nkwunonwo et al., 2015], while the oldest historical account of flooding in Lagos is from July 1947 [Nwigwe et al., 2014], when a period of heavy rain was to blame for the incident. Despite Lagos’ long history of flooding, the city’s expansion of unplanned settlements has made the flooding problem worse. As of 2014, only 45% of the metropolitan area was served by storm drains, and fewer than 30% of those were kept up to date [Sojobi et al. 2016]. Flood episodes have increased to the point where they are now a recurring issue in Lagos due to the speed and scope of urbanization there as well as unplanned growth [Nkwunonwo et al., 2015]. With the exception of the drought year of 1973, flooding in Lagos currently occurs every year [Nkwunonwo et al, 2015]. Since at least the 1970s, when locals regarded it as one of the top three environmental issues, there has been awareness of the increased risk of flooding in Lagos during the wet season [Nkwunonwo et al, 2015]. According to Nkwunonwo et al. (2015), flooding in the area is typically brought on by either short-duration high-intensity rainfall or long-duration low-intensity rainfall, both of which are occurring more frequently now than they did 30 years ago. Although they also highlight the size of the issue that has to be addressed, the flooding in 2010, 2011, and 2012 have contributed to increasing public awareness of Lagos’ flood crisis. The basic effects of all three floods were the same: eviction of residents, destruction of property, interference with communications, and fatalities. Numerous people of Ikorodu were forced to relocate as a result of the 2010 flood, and the Lagos State government had to provide housing for more than 1700 of them for more than 10 months [Sojobi et al., 2016]. Although it should be noted that a sizable number of low and middle-income properties were also affected but uninsured, the flooding the following year resulted in the most expensive claims settlement in the history of the Nigerian insurance industry, estimated to range from US$200 million to over US$300 million [Sojobi et al, 2016]. According to Nkwunonwo et al. (2015), the flooding in 2012 was the greatest flood occurrence in more than 40 years, affecting 7.7 million people, including over 500 persons who had injuries that were thought to be either a direct or indirect effect of the flood and over 2 million residents who had to leave their homes due to the floodwaters.

The social life of Lagos residents is well-known. Despite having numerous subsurface drainage systems, Lagos has recently had flooding problems. The most common sort of flooding in Lagos is urban flash flooding brought on by severe downpour. It has harmed the people by interfering with their social lives, agricultural operations, and freedom of people, commodities, and services to move around. Buildings, farms, and roads in some areas of Lagos have been submerged as a result of floods, which has an impact on household well-being.

1.3.1 Purpose Of The Study

This study’s main goal is to investigate Nigeria’s hazardous cities’ effects, specifically how they affect urban ecology and flooding. Additional particular goals include:

1. To investigate how locals in Lagos State perceive the causes of floods.

2. To investigate how flooding affects Lagos State inhabitants.

3. To look into the steps inhabitants of Lagos State have made to reduce the risk and effects of flooding.

4. To look at the measures the government has implemented to control flooding in the state of Lagos.

1.4 Questions For Research

The following queries serve as the study’s compass:

1. What do the locals think are the causes of floods in Lagos State?

2. What impact does flooding have on Lagos State residents?

3. What steps have Lagos State citizens made to lessen the risk and effects of flooding?

4. What actions has the government made to prevent flooding in the state of Lagos?

1.5 Relationship To Other Studies

To better understand the causes of flooding and how it affects both the citizens of at-risk neighborhoods and the communities that are affected, policymakers and the government would greatly benefit from this study. The results of this study will also inform inhabitants of Lagos state about the several important steps they may take to lessen the effects of floods. This work will contribute to the body of knowledge already available in the field and act as a resource for future research on the same or a related subject.

1.6 Analysis Of The Study

This study focuses on studying how locals in Lagos State perceive the reasons for floods. The study will also look at how inhabitants of Lagos State are affected by flooding. Additionally, this study will examine the steps Lagos state people have done to reduce flood risk and damage. Finally, this study will look into the measures the government has implemented in Lagos State to control flooding. Participants in this study must be residents of Ikorodu, Surulere, Lekki, Victoria Island, or Ikeja in the state of Lagos.

1.7 Limitations of the study:

This study’s main limitations are a lack of funding, a time crunch, and limited data.