Osun Government alerts residents on flood prevention, management
By Abimbola Abatta, Osogbo
The state government of Osun has charged the residents to be alive to their responsibilities towards the prevention and management of flood in the state.
This was just as it reassured that the current administration will not renege in its efforts to avert environmental disaster which might be caused by heavy flooding.
These were disclosed during the inauguration of another round of rivers dredging and waterways by Governor Gboyega Oyetola in Iwo Local Government of the state.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Special Adviser on Environment and Sanitation, Hon. Rufus Oyegbile said the government has responded to the warning of Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) and the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) which forecasted Osun as high probable flood risk state by embarking on intensive flood control and management system to protect the lives and property of our citizens.
“We must have it on record, that in the last two years, the government has done a lot on dredging of rivers and waterways across the length and breath of state which include; Osin, Sheusheu, Maaye, Arungbo, Odo-Ori, Aganga, Olobedu Akintokun, Ijetu, Awesin – Elentere Alagbadun – Arioyun – Aketi-Osin- Amuni Atile Esinmirin, Agbara – Opa rivers and lake 264, mention but a few.
“Although our efforts have been challenged with the recent flood incidence in some parts of the state, this affirms the need for serious and urgent action by the government and all other critical stakeholders,” he added
Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Civic Engagement, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye noted that sensitisation, awareness campaign on flood preparedness is imperative because of consequences of the flooding, which would impact negatively on people in various communties.
He, however, appealed to community leaders especially at the grassroots to continue sensitising people in their domains against dumping of refuse and erecting of structures on water channels as part of the preventive measures against flooding.
Oyintiloye added that all stakeholders must as a matter of duty reawaken the conciousness of the people towards community service such as clearing of drainages and waterways which are also part of social responsibility so as to allow free flow of water, as this will also play a complementary role towards the efforts put in place by the government to avert hazardous effect of flood during raining season.
In their separate remarks, the Director General, Bureau of Social Services, Mr. Richard Tinubu, Honourable Representating Iwo State Constituency, Hon. Halil Uzamot, Special Adviser on Rural Development and Community Affairs, Hon. Mumini Adekunle Abass appreciated Governor Oyetola for deeming it fit to salvage the flood ridden areas in state and commended him on his wondrous achievement in all the sectors.
