Flood: Group Charges Govt On Dredging, Clearing Of Drainages

A civil society group, the Centre for Social Justice and Public Protection (CSJPP), has called on the state government to proactively prevent flood-related disasters ahead of the full blast of the rainy season. 

According to the CSJPP, a major effective way of preventing flooding in every part of the state is by dredging streams and rivers and clearing drainages. 

The group said some drainage in Osun, especially in Osogbo, the state capital, have been blocked by debris and needs to be cleared to allow for free water flow. 

In a statement signed by the coordinator of the group, Mr. Akin Akanji, the group noted that it is evident, with the rainfall that occurred during the weekend in some areas in Osogbo, that without necessary steps being taken, the state might witness flooding due to the blockage of the drainages.

The group urged the state government to look into the expansion of drainages and streams across the state, just as it appealed to residents of the state to desist from dumping refuse inside drainages.

“The state government should not wait until there is flooding before taking the necessary steps. Residents also owe it a duty to assist the government in safeguarding lives and property, by desisting from unhealthy practices,” said the group. 

The statement, which was made available to OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday, reads partly, “It beholds on the state government to be proactive and make sure rivers, streams, and drainages are cleared. 

“Most of the drainages in the state, particularly in Osogbo, the state capital, have been blocked by refuse dumped by residents of the state.

“Also, some drainages needed expansion so as to accommodate the level of water passing through them. 

“As a group, we hope the state government will do the needful and not wait till disaster happens before taking steps. The government must rise to the occasion now. 

“What happened during the rainy period last year should be a lesson to all of us, and the government should, as a matter of urgency, look for ways to prevent such occurrences this rainy season.”