Mitigating flooding in wetland communities by Ogun Govt

The plight of communities, in flood-prone axis of Ogun State is of concern and the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun, the state governor, will continue to pay optimal attention, in all ramifications, until a lasting solution is found to checkmate the perennial flooding occasioned mostly by climate change and its multifaceted attendant consequences on the social and economic activities of affected residents.

The Ogun State Government is aware of the current hardship caused by flood water and activation of mechanisms by agencies of the Federal Government ostensibly to reduce the impact and forestall loss of lives and properties in flood plain and downstream communities that are naturally vulnerable.

It would be recalled that the Ministry of Environment has consistently provided the required relevant information to residents, including flood alerts and climate and weather forecast messages to residents, particularly in the flood belt, for them to take precautionary measures towards their safety. Such measures include temporary relocation, elevation of structures while the flood recedes in few days by finding its way into expanded drainages and channels created by the government.

The Commissioner for Environment, Dr Ola Oresanya, has amplified the need for residents to heed advisory on staying safe at this time of the year when more water from the upstream is anticipated and seemingly unavoidable, thereby increasing the volume of water downstream. At different fora, Dr Oresanya has reiterated and posited that the flood problem, particularly in communities within Isheri – Kara axis, sharing border with Lagos State, is jointly being addressed by the two states and the Federal Government because of the huge cost involved to actualise a long-term solution like constructing a dyke.

To this end, this government has been proactive and exhibited profound commitment to control the flood in our border communities with Lagos State by embarking on strategic actions, including desilting of Oparo River, Isheri. The desilting was from Isheri to as far as Ogun River and Itowolo on Ikorodu Road in Lagos.

Desilting has equally been carried out at Oke-Ata stream from Kajola to Arepo. Others are at different parts of the state including Sokoro River and tributaries in Abeokuta, Onibuku stream in Iju, Ado- Odo Ota local government, Odo- Funfun in Oja-Odan, Yewa North Local government and Yemule River in Ijebu-Ode.

At the instance of the Ogun State Government, members of the House of Representatives Committee on Ecological Fund, on Monday, October 14, 2024 visited the state to inspect some flood sites with a view to providing lasting solution to flooding. From the visit, it is obvious that the mechanism for necessary appropriation is in progress.

The current effect of flooding is occasioned by the tidal increase of the Atlantic Ocean and multiple tributaries to Ogun River. This precipitates the need to manage water retention at Oyan Dam to keep it within acceptable volumes, consequent upon which we will witness intermittent release of water by Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority. Such release is being monitored by the Commissioner for Environment to ensure it is proportionate and gradual.

Flooding in flood plains is relatively unavoidable; efforts are currently being intensified by the government to attenuate its impact.

Citizens should fact-check from government regulatory agencies the status of lands and properties before investing their hard-earned money in them.

Dr Oyeleye is the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Ogun State

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