The Federal Government on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, assured of a permanent solution to flooding challenges currently facing the Isheri community in Ifo Local Government Area (LGA) of Ogun State.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, and the Minister of State for Environment, Isiaq Salako, gave the assurance during an on-the-spot assessment of the flooded community.
While speaking, Salako noted that plans were on the way to find a permanent solution to the perennial flooding always experienced by the Isheri community.
He stated that President Bola Tinubu was aware of the problem and had been proactive in addressing it.
“The President is aware of this problem. He fully understands where the problem is and he has been very proactive in addressing the problem.
“I believe that we will find a permanent solution to the problem.”
Salako further said there was the need to undertake a comprehensive study in order for the flooding problems to be permanently solved.
“This is in order to understand what is needed to be done in a way that will bring about a solution .
“We should understand what we need to do with the Ogun river, the dams, how we will ensure that we expand our drainages and lift our roads and our people to change their habit and be more environmentally-responsible,” he said.
Salako noted that the problems were multi-faceted, pointing out that the result of climate change being experienced globally could not be reversed.
But he insisted there was the need to be environmentally-responsible.
The Minister of State pointed out that building on drainages, blocking of drainages and improper disposal of wastes were also factors responsible for flooding.
“I want to assure that with the commitment of the President, and the proactiveness the Ogun State governor has demonstrated, there will be a permanent solution.
“The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is fully aware of the challenges and will do the needful in terms of palliatives,” he added.
Also speaking, Prof. Utsev noted that President Tinubu had always been proactive and ready to solve flooding issues across the country.
He stated that the Federal Government had set up a committee that was working entirely on different challenges of Nigeria.
The minister noted that the committee was made up of different experts who were working round the clock to find solution to the problems.
“A team has already been sent to assess the flooding situation in Isheri. The members have gone round and have observed salient challenges
“We are providing solution to flooding in the entire Nigeria, not only in Ogun. We are believing that the solution has come,” he said.
Utsev sympathised with the victims of the flood, saying the Federal Government would do the needful as soon as possible.
In his response, Gov. Dapo Abiodun announced the formulation of a drainage master plan as a major initiative to address long-standing drainage issues in the region.
He appreciated President Tinubu’s swift response to his government’s call in finding immediate solution to the flooding problem.
“With a well-designed drainage master plan and proper channelisation of rivers, the region can effectively manage excess water flow and prevent it from affecting the residents.”
The governor, however, stated that any building built on drainage channel would be pulled down to allow for a free flow of water.
Mr Akintola Omigbodun, while speaking on behalf of the Residents Association of Isheri North Community, appreciated the governor and the Federal Government for showing concern to the people’s plight.
He pleaded for an immediate solution to the flooding challenges in the community.
By Abiodun Lawal
