Flooding: Oyo begins channelization of major rivers
http://www.hrlnews.com/2019/09/flooding-oyo-begins-channelization-of.html
Oyo State government has disclosed that it would soon begin
channelization of major rivers in the State to increase floodwater
runoff capacity and further reduce the possibility of flooding in the
State.
The disclosure was made on Monday by the State Commissioner
for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Kehinde Ayoola when he was
addressing a press conference organised by the Ministry to sensitize the
general public on the hazard of poor sanitation on the environment and
warning alert on flood in the State.
The event which held at the State Ministry of Information,
Culture and Tourism in Ibadan was also attended by the Commissioner for
Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun and the Chief
Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr Taiwo Adisa.
Ayoola said Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the
establishment of four environmental tribunals that would work across the
State to enforce the State environmental laws and thereby reduce the
rate at which people violated the laws.
“The vulnerability of Ibadan to river and urban flooding is
induced by the city’s topography terrain, the problem of indiscriminate
waste disposal, building of houses on flood plains, with the tendency
of all the foregoing even being aggravated by the universal menace of
global warming and climate change.
“It is in the light of this that the government of the day
in Oyo State has expressed its unreserved commitment to the full
implementation of the Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project, the
State-owned flood risk mitigation project with funding and technical
assistance from the World Bank.
“The proposed channelization of major rivers and water
channels in Ibadan under the IUFMP scheme is being processed and would
soon commence. These include River Ona, Agodi Channel, River Ogbere,
Kudeti Channel etcetera. When completed, these massive channels, which
are in the mould of the popular Ogunpa Channel, would boost the
flood-water runoff draining capacity of the city.
“However, all the above-listed efforts would amount to
nothing without the people of the State fulfilling their own part of the
bargain. Our people are required now, more than before, to clear their
surrounding and street drain channels, avoid dumping waste improperly,
ensure that each household keeps a dustbin and patronize
government-approved waste disposal contractors, avoid floodplains,
obtain building approvals from relevant statutory bodies before
commencing building, among others.
“The governor has approved the establishment of four
Environmental Tribunals across the State that will see to the immediate
dispensation of justice to environmental law offenders. The Tribunals
will soon be inaugurated by the governor. This, we believe, will
strengthen the enforcement of the laws and change people’s attitude
towards sanitation for the better,” he pointed out.
The former lawmaker called on the people to take necessary
precautions during heavy rainfall, especially when the rain persisted
for over twenty minutes, while those living in the houses along
floodplains were advised to relocate.
He added that low bridges should be avoided during heavy rain and
enjoined the generality to keep away from staying under high tension
electricity installations.