By Kayode Olabanji, Okitipupa
Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State has begun the clearing of blocked rivers, drainages, and canals within the council.
The Chairman of Ilaje LGA, Mr Goke Jatuwase said the exercise was imperative to check reoccurring floods in the area.
The Hope had earlier reported that there was a downpour that caused flood in Okitipupa, Igbokoda, Ese Odo, and others, which destroyed several properties.
Jatuwase, therefore, appealed to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to come to the aid of affected residents who are subjected to untold hardship.
According to him, many residents are still counting their losses, following the downpour which overflowed river banks, drainages, gullies, and canals.
“So, we decided to take preventive measures against reocurrence and that is why we began the channelization of blocked rivers, canals, drainages, and gullies for easy passage of erosion.
“We have opened up Ajere canal as well as the canal at the back of Nigeria Navy Officer’s Mess, through to the back of the LG secretariat, to allow free flow of water into the Oluwa River which has been channeled too.
“We have equally contacted the NDDC to come to the aid of our people so that the untold hardship occasioned by the flood can be curtailed and cushioned,” he said.
The council boss, however, urged residents to stop the habit of indiscriminate dumping of refuse and specks of dirt in the gullies, drainages, canals, and rivers, saying the resultant effect was the flooding that had destroyed their properties.
He also said the council would henceforth take stringent measures and enforcement on improper disposal of refuse.
