The Ogun State government is to construct about 2,975.6m length of drainage channel and mini bridges/culverts, desilt and clear 56,150m length of river/stream courses and desilt 40,000m length of drainage channel across the three senatorial districts of the state in furtherance of its effort to combat flooding.
This was disclosed by Ola Oresanya, the commissioner for the environment, who also sought the cooperation of all residents during this rainy season.
“The state government will continue its productive synergy with the management of Ogun- Osun River Basin Development Authority on the management of the release of water from the two dams-Ikere Gorge Dam located on Ogun River and Oyan Dam on the largest tributaries of Ogun River to reduce the impact of flooding in wetland areas of the state,” Oresanya said.
According to him, the government through the Ministry of Environment is determined to reduce the impact of flooding in the state through the newly- introduced Drainage Permit which is to guide intending businesses to appropriately discharge their stormwater to the final discharge point and avert conflict with adjoining communities.
He said this would guide residents against building on flood plains and wetlands unknowingly during the dry season. According to him, residents are advised to take advantage of the opportunity when they want to develop their landed property.
“Efforts are on by the state and the Federal Government to resolve the age-long Isheri flood as it has commenced a comprehensive study of the drainage pattern in the area. We are committed to finding lasting solutions to the flood issue in the area,” the commissioner said.
Among the projects lined up by the state are the construction of drainage channel and culverts at Wesley Primary School, Ijebu-Ode, reconstruction of dilapidated culvert at Saje Dumpsite road, Apakila (Abeokuta), Igbosoro (Ogijo, Sagamu LGA), Imasai; desilting of rivers/stream courses at Yemule (Ijebu-Ode), Sensen river (Sagamu), Onibuku (Ota), Odo-Funfun (Oja-Odan), Opa Aro (Isheri), Sokori river and tributaries while desilting of drainages channel will take place at Abeokuta, Ifo, Ijebu-Ode, Sagamu, Ilaro, Ota, among others.
