How to know if land will flood before building is an important question for anyone buying land or planning a property in Lagos. Recent flooding concerns in Port Harcourt are another reminder that rainfall alone is not the only thing to consider. The elevation of the land, drainage, surrounding development and natural water-flow paths can all affect how water behaves on a site.

Image showing the extent of the flood in Port Harcourt

Before you build, a surveyor can check:

The elevation of the land
Whether the land is lower than surrounding areas
Natural drainage paths
Existing drains and waterways
The slope of the site
Appropriate building and road levels

This isn't just theoretical. Research on Lagos has found a relationship between building development around drainage channels/flood-prone areas and flooding, while recent reporting has highlighted drainage and planning problems in areas of Lagos. See here

How Can You Tell If Land May Flood?

You cannot always tell simply by looking at an empty plot.

A piece of land may appear dry when you visit it during the dry season but experience water accumulation during heavy rainfall.

Before building, a topographic survey can provide important information about the land, including:

Ground elevations
Slopes and changes in terrain
Low-lying areas
Existing drains and drainage channels
Natural water-flow directions
Levels of surrounding roads and properties
Appropriate levels for proposed buildings and infrastructure

This information gives your architect and engineer a better understanding of the site before designs and construction begin.

What Does Port Harcourt Flooding Have to Do With Lagos?

Flooding in Port Harcourt and other parts of Nigeria shows why flood risk should be considered before development rather than after a property has already been constructed.

The same lesson applies to Lagos.

Areas such as Lekki, Ajah, Ibeju-Lekki, Epe, Ikorodu and other parts of Lagos have different ground conditions, drainage patterns and levels. A solution that works on one site may not work on another.

Research on Lagos has also found that urban development can increase runoff and contribute to greater flood inundation.

Don't Just Ask: Is This Land Flood-Prone?"

Ask a better question:

"What does the survey data tell me about this land?"

A professional survey can help you understand the physical characteristics of your site before you spend money on construction.

This is particularly important if you are:

Buying land for development
Building a house
Developing an estate
Constructing a road
Planning a commercial property
Designing drainage
Developing land in a low-lying area

A survey does not guarantee that a property will never flood, but it provides accurate site information that can be used by the appropriate professionals when planning and designing the development.

Always Consult a Surveyor Before You Build

Don't buy land, design a building, and start construction without first understanding the site.

Before you build in Lagos, consult a qualified surveyor. The right survey can provide the information your architect, engineer, and other project professionals need to make better decisions about the development.

How to Know If Your Land Will Flood Before You Build

How to Know If Your Land Will Flood Before You Build