By Kayode Olabanji, Okitipupa
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Ilaje Local Government area of Ondo State has begun the clearing of rivers, drainages, and canals within the council.
The Chairman, Mr Goke Jatuwase said the exercise was imperative to check re-occurring floods in the area.
Jatuwase, therefore, appealed to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to come to the aid of residents affected by flood who were subjected to untold hardship.
According to him, many residents are still counting their losses, following the downpour which overflowed river banks, drainages and canals.
“So, we decided to take preventive measures against re-ocurrence and that is why we began the channelization of 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 indiscriminate dumping of refuse, saying the resultant effect was the flooding that had destroyed their property.
He also said the council would henceforth take stringent measures and enforcement on improper disposal of refuse.
