Ola Oresanya, the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, has said efforts are in place to set up Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in collaboration with some religious institutions across the state as the Oyan Dam flood sends residents and traders packing.
Oresanya said the venture to be embarked upon is aimed at cushioning the effects of flooding caused by the opening of the Oyan Dam.
The commissioner made this known over a telephone interview on Tuesday.
According to him, there were ongoing talks with religious institutions in the affected areas to accommodate those displaced by the flood.
“We are making arrangements with religious institutions across the state to set up camps to accommodate those affected by flood.”
It was observed in the affected areas as of Monday that the water almost levelled up the long bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Residents who live in estates like Isheri Riverview, and other residential surroundings in Warewa to the OPIC area were mostly affected.
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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.
Dapo Abiodun, the state governor, declared a state of emergency in the flooded area on Monday 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.
Addressing residents of Riverview Estate, the governor said he had requested an area survey of the estate to identify critical areas that needed immediate intervention.
He assured the people that the intervention would come through the construction of an elevated road with adequate drainage to mitigate their suffering.
