Ogun takes steps to prevent flooding

By Demilade Michael

Ogun State government has commenced dredging of river and stream courses, as well as desilting of drainage channels across the state, as part of measures to prevent flooding in the State.

The exercise, which was part of the flood and erosion control intervention exercise of the State government, is complementing its annual flood mitigation efforts in various parts of the state, which started since the inception of the Prince Dapo Abiodun administration in 2019.

Speaking on the exercise which commenced in different parts of the state few days ago, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Flood and Erosion Control, Mr. Femi Akinwunmi said the exercise involves the dredging of river and stream courses as well as disilting of drainage channels statewide.

According to Akinwunmi, those rivers and streams undergoing dredged to avert river flooding in the state included the Opa-Aro River in Isheri in Ifo local government, Oke Afa Stream in Magboro, Obafemi Owode local government, Giyanu Stream in Ilase, Ipokia local government, Sokori River and its tributaries and Labaiwa stream in Abeokuta North and South local government areas.

He said, it will soon be the turn of Onibuku Stream in Iju, in Ado Odo local government, Odo Funfun River in Oja Odan in Yewa North local government, Sensen River in Sagamu local government and Yemule River in Ijebu -Ode local government, among others lined up to be dredged soon.

Aside from the dredging of the rivers, Akinwunmi said the state government has also commenced massive desilting of drainage channels across the state, including  Abeokuta, Sango-Ota, Ijebu-ode and Ilishan with other cities and towns are also slated for disilting soon.

"The dredging of these rivers and streams and desilting of the drainage channels are meant to improve their water- carrying capacities through removal of sand as well as free them from refuse dumped indiscriminately into them, which inhibits free flow of rain water that brings about backflows that results into flooding and its unpalatable consequences".

"As a responsible government that cares for the well-being of its residents, the Abiodun-led administration had no choice than to take on this responsibility to avert predicted river flooding in the state this year and free its residents from any of its consequences as raining season should be a blessing to the people and a curse".

"We therefore appeal to residents of the state to play their part by disilting all drainage channels in front of their business premises and houses while those in the habit of dumping waste or refuse into drainages whenever it rains to desist as the long hands of the law will soon catch up with them.

To be fore warned is to be forearmed, "Akintunde concluded

He did not forget to equally warn traders in markets and streets who placed planks and makeshift structures on top of drainage channels to remove them forthwith to avoid violating the state environmental laws which might lead to possible prosecution.