Ogun State Governor Commits to Resolving Flooding Issues, Promises Demolition of Obstructing Structures
In an effort to tackle the persistent issue of flooding in Ogun and Lagos States, the federal government has taken a significant step by establishing a committee to conduct an in-depth study of the affected communities.
This comprehensive evaluation aims to identify effective measures to prevent future flooding occurrences.
Ogun State’s Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, is also determined to address the problem. He reassured residents in the affected areas, particularly Isheri in the Ifo Local Government Area, that the state government would demolish any buildings or structures obstructing waterways. This action is crucial to ensuring the unimpeded flow of water into the lagoon.
A delegation from the federal government, led by Governor Abiodun and accompanied by the Minister of the Environment, Dr. ‘Kunle Salako, and the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, visited the affected community to convey President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message of sympathy to the affected residents.
Some of these residents have been relocated to the premises of religious organisations, such as the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and the Nasrulahi Ilfathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), in the area.
Addressing the affected residents at the Ogun State Property Investment Corporation (OPIC) office in Isheri, Minister Salako stressed the importance of conducting a comprehensive study of the flooding issue.
This study will provide essential insights into finding a permanent solution to the problem. He encouraged residents to take greater responsibility for the environment, including refraining from building in flood-prone areas, maintaining clear drainage systems, and ensuring proper waste disposal.
Minister Salako also announced that relevant emergency response agencies, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian and Disaster Management, have been activated to provide necessary relief to the affected residents, alleviating their suffering.
Minister Utsev, who is overseeing the committee established by the federal government to address flooding challenges nationwide, visited the state and observed the issues faced by flood-affected areas.
He highlighted the committee’s intention to collaborate with representatives from the affected community. He also expressed confidence that the challenges of flooding, resulting from climate change effects, would be overcome in the near future.
Governor Abiodun affirmed the state government’s commitment to resolving the flooding issue by initiating drainage re-channelization in the affected community.
He urged residents to exercise patience as both the state and federal governments work together to find lasting and sustainable solutions to the problem. The governor emphasised that any structures obstructing drainage channels would be removed to facilitate unobstructed water flow.
By conducting a comprehensive study, implementing appropriate drainage solutions, and addressing the community’s concerns, the government is taking significant steps towards mitigating the persistent flooding issues in these areas.
Source: Vanguard
