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The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has disclosed that structures that are obstructing the flow of water from the Ogun River to the Lagoon will be demolished.
Abiodun disclosed this in a post made on his official Facebook page on Wednesday.
According to him, the demolition will be part of efforts aimed at addressing the issue of flooding that has ravaged some communities following the release of water from the Oyan dam.
He said, “Today, the Federal Government reassured us of their full support and emphasised the establishment of a dedicated committee to address the flooding issue comprehensively. In line with this, we have decided to demolish the developments on channels to facilitate the unobstructed flow of water from the Ogun River into the Lagoon.”
Abiodun stressed further that the Presidency through the Ministry of Environment has assured of a permanent solution to the issue of flooding that has displaced some residents of the state.
“We are delighted to inform you that our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his administration are committed to finding a swift and permanent solution to the incessant flooding affecting flood-prone areas, particularly the Isheri North community in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State.”
Residents who live in estates like Isheri Riverview, and other residential surroundings in Warewa to the OPIC area were mostly affected.
It was gathered that the dam, managed by the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority, and located at Abeokuta North Local Government Area of the state, released excess water this month.The PUNCH reported that the state Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said efforts are in place to set up Internally Displaced Persons camps in collaboration with some religious institutions across the state to cushion the effects of flooding caused by the opening of the Oyan Dam.
Oresanya made this known in a telephone conversation on Tuesday
According to him, there were ongoing talks with religious institutions in the affected areas to accommodate those displaced by the flood.
He said, “We are making arrangements with religious institutions across the state to set up camps to accommodate those affected by flood. Some of the religious institutions we are in talk with have agreed to host the IDP camps but they don’t want their names disclosed.”
When asked about the location of the IDP camps operated by the state government, he replied,
No, we do not have any camp set up by the government yet.”
Also, Abiodun, during a visit to the affected communities on Monday, declared a state of emergency in the flooded area as he assured residents of quick intervention.
“We will prioritise the works here because I am touched with what I have seen. I will ensure that we immediately begin to see signs of relief as we step this up. The Minister of State for Environment is already aware. The Vice President is already aware and also the President. It will be dealt with as an emergency and we are taking it as such.
“As an emergency, I would like to take it up myself. Please, continue to bear with us as we are going to conduct a comprehensive assessment of what we need to do to make this place conducive for living,” Abiodun said.
