In an effort to address the recurring issue of flooding in Ondo state, the government has reassured residents of its commitment to properly clear all waterways and canals.
The Acting Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, gave this assurance during an on-the-spot assessment of areas affected by recent heavy rainfall in Akure, the state capital.
The downpour resulted in flooding of several houses and properties, leaving residents in distress.
Aiyedatiwa urged residents to refrain from improper waste disposal, as it obstructs river channels and impedes the free flow of water.
The flood-affected areas include Ala waterway, Ayedun, Araromi Axis, Irese axis in Akure South, and Ifedore council areas.
Residents expressed their deep emotions regarding the extensive damage caused by the flood.
Expressing sympathy for those affected, the Acting Governor assured prompt intervention in response to the incident.
He stated that the state government had released counterpart funds to collaborate with relevant agencies in clearing and expanding canals and waterways, aiming to prevent future flood incidents.
“We appeal to residents to stop throwing waste into drainages. This practice hampers water flow and exacerbates the problem. Please cooperate with the environmental officers and fulfill your waste management obligations,” he emphasized.
Abitogun, the Member Representing Akure South Constituency 1, and Olaniyi, Chairman of Akure South Local Government, also assured quick intervention to prevent future flooding.
The Olurese of Irese, Oba Ahmed Saka, and the Alaaye of Aaye community, Oba Peter Adeoye, expressed gratitude to the Acting Governor for the prompt response, while eagerly anticipating government assistance in the near future.
Oba Saka, the Olu of Irese town, voiced concerns about the perilous conditions of the road during the rainy season, which frequently experiences flooding.
He noted that excessive floods have caused immense hardship to the community, leading to substantial losses of goods and properties worth millions of naira.
The flooding has also hindered development, with many residents shutting down their local businesses and leaving the town.
Attributing the constant flooding to the deplorable state of the major access road into the town, the traditional ruler of Irese appealed to the state government for assistance in fixing the road and implementing proper water channeling to prevent further flooding.
The road is the sole route connecting Ifedore and Akure South LGAs, and the community heavily relies on it.
While acknowledging the ongoing construction from Akure to Irese road, the Irese traditional ruler expressed gratitude on behalf of the community.
However, he emphasized the urgent need for similar attention to be given to the roads in Irese and Aaye towns in Ifedore, as these areas continue to suffer from flooding.
By addressing this issue, the major road will no longer be submerged, bringing relief to residents and safeguarding their homes, shops, and businesses.
The government’s commitment to clearing water channels and collaborating with relevant agencies demonstrates its determination to alleviate the recurrent flooding issue in Ondo state.
Residents eagerly await the timely implementation of these measures, which will provide much-needed relief and ensure a safer environment during the rainy season.
