By Kemi Olatunde

|

An aggressive evacuation of canals and desiltation of drainages to prevent flooding in major cities and towns across Ondo State prone to flooding have begun.
This is to prevent flooding and loss of human lives in Akure, the state capital, Ikare, Okitipupa, Ondo, Ore among others as the state entered the second phase of the raining season.
The Nigeria Meteorological Agency, NIMET, National Hydrological Agency and National Emergency Management Agency NEMA recently predicted serious flooding later this month in about 28 states.
Investigation by The Hope revealed that all hands were on deck by all the concerned agencies in the state such as Ministry of Environment and Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP).
Ondo State Commissioner for Environment, Mr Funsho Esan hinted that there has been aggressive evacuation of some canals in Akure the state capital, desiltation of drains as well as the removal of debris to enhance free flow of water.
Represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ade Adeniyi Esan, attributed the clean environment obtained in Akure to aggressive waste collection method embraced by the ministry and commended the people for keying into it.
He revealed that house to house campaign has been embraced by the Ministry in addition to the provision of waste bins for dumping of waste which will be collected on regular basis by waste collectors.
He noted that it is against the law to dispose waste into drainages and water ways saying, “those who are doing this are at risk as they can be carried away by the river in the process” and added that those who default will face the wrath of the law.
He said that adequate provision has been put in place in the various markets with waste collection truck stationed to manage generated waste.
Speaking extensively on open defecation, he noted that government has been sensitising the people on the unhealthy act and stressed the need for residents to provide toilet facilities in their homes.
However, he called on the people to support government in preventing flood by maintaining clean environment, encouraging free flow of water and avoid building on flood plains saying “if you have built on flood plains, endeavor to leave the place during rainy seasons.”
Also speaking with The Hope, State Project Coordinator, Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), Mr. Marcus Adewodun commended Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for his strive in ensuring that the state becomes beneficiary of the World Bank financed project.
He explained that at the inception of NEWMAP in the state, a lot of activities needed to be put in place for erosion problem to be properly mitigated, noting that desiltation of major rivers and streams across major towns and cities made the priority list.
He revealed that the governor in his quest to tackle the issue of flooding in the state solicited the support of World Bank in the area of procuring amphibious escavators which according to him was granted.
He hinted that Ondo NEWMAP has awarded the supply and purchase of two amphibious escavators from the United States of America which will arrive the state soon.
He said that with equipment in place alongside the only functional one, the three senatorial districts will be relieved of incidence of flooding.
Speaking further, he explained that NEWMAP has embarked on the desiltation of major roads drains across Akure metropolis after which it will be extended to other towns and cities.
According to him, work is ongoing on 13 major roads which are prone to flooding in the state capital out of which seven have been completed.
The roads include; Oba Adesida/Oyemekun road (Fiwasaye roundabout – Oloko junction), Oke – Ijebu road (Olukayode junction – Agbogbo roundabout), FUTA south gate road (FUTA junction – south gate), NEPA roundabout – Shoprite frontage, Arakale road( NEPA roundabout – Isinkan roundabout), Ondo road( Cathedral junction – Army first gate) and Idanre road (Cash hold station – Open University).
Others are; Sijuwade/Ala quarters link road (Shoprite junction – Sijuwade bus stop), Elshaddai road (Iyeoma junction – NDLEA roundabout), Fiwasaye roundabout – Agbogbo roundabout as well as Central Bank junction, Secretariat Road to Shoprite junction.
A shop owner along Oba Adesida road, Mrs Bukola Aliu while speaking with The Hope, commended government’s efforts at combating flooding in the area.
A fruits hawker along Agbogbo road who simply identified herself as Risikat, described the gesture as a welcome development.
Risikat who noted she had been a victim of flood in the past as her goods were taken away by it, called on government to make the exercise a regular one especially during rainy season.