By Kemi Olatunde
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Residents of Akungba Akoko have lauded Ondo State Government for its intervention in mitigating the effects of flooding in the community just as they called for more support.
They made the commendation while receiving a team led by the Environment Commissioner, Mr. Sunday Akinwalire in the community on Thursday.
They specifically lauded the Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for emplacing structures aimed at tackling flooding in the state.
An indigene of the town and retiree from the Presidency, Abuja, Elder Jacob Ogidigbo expressed appreciation to the Governor for providing an amphibious escavator to channelise Omi Ori Erin river along Owo – Ikare express road Akungba Akoko, noting that a lot of houses have been affected by flooding as a result of overflow of the river.
Ogidigbo who expressed his readiness to forego his property behind the river for the development of the community if the need arises, called for quick response from government in alleviating residents’ suffering from adverse effects of flooding.
A resident of Okusa quarters, Akungba Akoko, Felix Adegoke noted that the area has been witnessing flooding from River Okusa for over 20 years due to the diversion of flow of water from drainages from other areas.
While commending government for its support, he called for quick intervention.
An elderly resident, Mr. Agbo Michael while depreciating government, stressed the need for government to fulfill its promises in order to preserve lives and properties of residents.
In his response, the Environment Commissioner stressed the need for proper maintenance of the environment while expressing appreciation for their support for government.
He also called for proper waste disposal stating that they should stop dumping refuse into the rivers
At River Dada, Ikare Akoko, a resident and fashion designer, Amuda Basira commended government for putting in place necessary channelization of the place noting that it used to be in a terrible state during rains before now.
She appealed to government to extend the gesture to the upper part of the river so as to put it in proper state noting that lives and properties have been lost in the river.
Commissioner for Environment described the river as a notorious one and assured of intervention in the area of mechanical channelisation at the other part of the river.
The team also inspected Edua River, Akungba/Supare Aloko boundary
