Lagos developers urged to prioritize flood resilience in estate planning

Lauretta Odusolu, Group Executive Director of Octo5 Holdings Ltd., has called on property developers in Lagos to prioritize flood resilience during the initial stages of estate planning and development.

Addressing the impact of recurring flooding on real estate and property investment, Odusolu argued against the common practice of constructing estates before addressing drainage needs. She recommended that developers conduct comprehensive flood risk assessments—considering elevation, natural drainage patterns, and proximity to waterways—prior to land acquisition.

Proposed mitigation strategies include integrating drainage capacity into estate designs, preserving natural waterways, and using permeable surfaces, retention ponds, and elevated buildings. Odusolu also emphasized the necessity of regular maintenance for drainage systems and urged government agencies to implement stricter approval requirements to ensure new developments do not exacerbate flood risks for surrounding communities.