In order to prevent a repeat of the flood disaster experienced by the people of Ogun State last week, the Abiola Ajimobi-led government in Oyo State has jump-started the dredging of 64 Rivers/Tributaries in Ibadan, the capital city of the state.
The State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Isaac Ishola, stated the commitment of the Ajimobi-led government to prevent flood disaster in the state. He also gave an assurance that the state government is working tirelessly to make Oyo state flood free.
Mr Isaac gave the assurance during a tour by a monitoring team to some of the sites where the dredging is on-going. Other members of the monitoring team were the Project Coordinator, Ibadan Urban Management Flood Projects (IUFMP) Mr Dayo Ayorinde; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mr Oguntola; representatives from the Ministry of Information and other members of staff of IUFMP and the Ministry of Environment.
The Commissioner disclosed that work has started in about 40 streams/tributaries out of the 64 marked out for dredging in Ibadan and promised that the job would be completed in a few weeks time.
Mr Isaac maintained that the government is concerned about the safety of lives and properties of all the residents in the state. He said “The governor is not only putting in place security measures to checkmate criminal activities, he is also working hard to enhance hygienic and conducive environment for all and sundry in the state.”
The Project Coordinator, Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project (IUFMP), Mr Dayo Ayorinde explained that prior the commencement of work at these sites, the agency had worked at sites in different communities where permanent features including drainages, bridges, water channels and others were constructed by the agency.
Ayorinde also disclosed that the IUFMP is taking steps towards total implementation of Ibadan Urban Drainage Master Plan as soon as possible.
Some of the sites visited by the monitoring team are, Ona Tributary/River at Goodness Estate, Odongbo Barracks, Oorelope Community, Oluyole Extension, Ajofoyinbo Community Soka Area and Olodo in Ibadan.
Community leaders who spoke with www.insideoyo.com commended the Ajimobi led administration for the steps in dredging the streams for free flow of water and prevention of flood disaster.
Mrs Faoye, a resident at Goodness estate said “Prior to government’s intervention, we used to have problem anytime there is heavy rain, we cannot sleep in our house because everywhere in the area will be submerged by flood but this dredging has relieve us of the perennial flooding problem we thank Governor Ajimobi”
Also Aremu Olaosebikan, a community leader at Ajofoyinbo soka area, Ibadan in his own remark said “The flood washed away our bridge and anytime there is heavy rain people are cut off from the other side, this development from government is something that we appreciate and we will not mind if the government can assist us in fixing the bridge and repair our road for accessibility.
“Please help us tell His Excellency, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, the governor of our state that we are his people, we cooperate with his government at all times. This is the time he needs to help us at Ajofoyinbo, Soka Area. We beg him in the name of all things that are good. We are suffering too much. We need this bridge fixed.”
Packaged by Olayinka Agboola with additional reports from insideoyo.com
