Flood: Osun Govt Warns Residents Against Blockage Of Waterways

By Sodiq Yusuf

The State Government of Osun has warned residents of the state against dumping of refuse in drainages, streams and rivers to prevent flooding.

The indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the waterways, according to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment and Sanitation, Hon. Rufus Oyegbile, is mostly responsible for flooding in the state.

Oyegbile, according to the Press Officer in the Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Toyin Adeoye, stated this on Wednesday during the flag-off of dredging of waterways in some parts of the state.

He added that the people of the state will do themselves lots of good, if they keep the waterways free of debris, as it will allow for free flow of water.

Oyegbile stated that the dredging was being done to widen the streams and rivers and clear blockages, swamp buggy to prevent the occurrence of flood in the state, following persistent warnings from the Nigeria Metrological Agency (NiMet).

According to him, the administration of Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola has taken a bold step to dredge streams and rivers in areas that are prone to flood, saying the exercise will take place in about 12 locations in Osogbo; while other local governments would also benefit from the exercise.

The Special Adviser said the dredging exercise would take place at Oke-ljetu, Lake 264, Rasco, Shehushehu, Fiwasaye and  Iludun rivers in Osogbo and Olorunda local governments of the state.

Other rivers to be dredged are Opa in Ile-Ife, Esinmirin and Oba in Iwo and Yemoja Mogimogi in Isokan Local Government.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Hon Sola Oladepo, explained the dredging exercise was in collaboration with the Association of Local Government of Nigeria in the state to guide against the impending flood.

Oladepo implored residents of the state to comply with the environmental rules and regulations by making their environment clean always.

In his address, ALGON Chairman in the state, Hon Abiodun Idowu, said the local government chairmen decided to join forces with the state government to prevent flood in order to save lives and properties.