research work

This research work examined the impacts of flooding on the socio-economic activities of Lekki in Eti-Osa L.G.A of Lagos State. Its major objectives were to study the causes of flooding and its major impacts, both positive and negative. The study also examined the various economic activities existing in the area. Human and environmental attributes that causes flooding were also appraised. The data used were collected through primary and secondary sources and the statistical analysis used is one=way Analysis of variance (ANOVA). During the research, it was found that flooding affects the area mostly during the raising season. In addition, the nature of the soil in the area is also a contributing factor. The study proffered some suggestions based on the findings, and conclusion was reached on the effective control techniques that should be adopted which would alleviate the problems created by flooding in Lekki. Efforts so far made and their effects in averting and controlling ravaged land uses by flooding were also discussed in details.


CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY
Floods are a consequence of natural water exceeding the capacity of removal by the river channel and can be expected to occur every three years. Such floods are important because they provide alluvium of flood plains which in the long term maintain their agricultural potentials. Floods affect lowlands greatly because they are densely populated and cultivated.
Despite the efforts made by the government to check and control flooding , the menace has continued to place constraints on both agricultural, economic and infrastructural development of the area especially on existing roads and other land uses. A study, “The Potential Effect of Global Warming and Sea level Rise in Victoria Island and Lekki”, conducted by the Nigeria Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), reveals that besides the possible loss of property. The landmass of Lekki (an equal highbrow seaside residential area) could shrink by a much as 230 sqmiles due to flooding and rising sea level.
Flooding in Lekki has been identified as the most serious environmental problem threatening life and property in the area. It has become the most striking issue facing the people as well as the state and Federal Government. This has resulted to loss of economic land and slow-down in infrastructural development.

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
Over the years, increasing urbanization and corresponding development in economic sector of Lagos state has given rise to inappropriate land use. This has led to the flooding of low lying areas. The improvement in the social sector has severally increased the demand of residential buildings such that most areas like Lekki are over stretched with such buildings. In addition, the influence of business activities at a particular point has generated and sustained flooding such that the surrounding regions are grappling with increasing environmental degradation.
However, flooding has become a very serious environmental problem in Lekki. This is high especially during the rainy season. It has continued to endanger the area and adversely affected physical, human and economic factors, thus hampering resource exploitation, residential and industrial development. Recent field investigation revealed that social harmony and cohesion has been greatly affected such that some of the communities have been cut by flooding. There is also expressions of fear that within some places like Maiyegun, Osapa London and Ologolo, they are threatened by flooding.
However, it was found out that water for domestic and commercial purpose are becoming scarce due to pollution by waste water which contain heavy metals etc. Nonetheless, the government has spent huge sums of money to build levees that will contain the upsurge of flood water from the ocean without much success. Hence this work is intended to examine the impact of flooding on the socio-economic activities in the area.

1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study is to examine the impacts of flooding on the socio-economic activities in Lekki. To achieve this aim, the following objectives will be carried out;
(i) To evaluate the extent Lekki dwellers is satisfied with the positive impacts which they derive from the coast.
(ii) To identify the various land areas associated with the problem of flooding and show its relevance to the socio-economic activities of the area.
(iii) To identify the specific areas in the zone that are affected by flood.
(iv) To ascertain the effect of flooding on the socio-economic activities in the area.
(v) To find out the various measures and techniques being used by the government to check and control flooding and their levels of efficiency.
(vi) To provide guide to planners and suggest approaches that would reduce the effects of flooding and improve the socio-economic activities.

1.4 AREA OF STUDY
Lekki is in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State. It has a population of about 95,000 persons. Lekki shares a common boundary with Victoria Island. It is located