Social-Economic Indicators and Public Perception on Urban Flooding in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Urban flooding is a serious disaster in the world, which not only causes serious damage, disturbs normal life and working conditions, but also pollutes the city and causes sanitary problems. It often also leads to loss of lives. In Lagos, urban flooding has largely become the focus of development initiatives. This paper examined the socio-economic impact and public perceptions of flooding in Lagos using questionnaire survey, personal observation, In-depth Interview (IDI) and Focus Group Discussions (FGD). The findings show that urban flooding has led to the damage of personal and public properties ranging from house utensils, foods, books to cars, buildings and schools. About 39% of the respondents have their economic activities affected by flood and the monetary value of loss in business due to flooding from single storm event range from $84.75 to $8474.58. Loss of goods and properties is more severe for the low income earners than the high income ones and the ratio of those that have benefited from flooding to those that have lost goods and properties is 1:7. The public perceive urban flash flood to be harmful, but other issues, such as acquisition of landed property in any part of Lagos are perceived to be more significant than the seasonal inconveniences and losses, which accrued from urban floods hazard. Involvement of all stakeholders in decision making process on the issue of de-flooding Lagos is recommended.