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Ogun: We’ll find permanent solution to Isheri flooding — FG

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2 years ago

The Federal Government has assured residents of Isheri area in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, of its readiness to address the challenge of perennial flooding confronting the environment.

The assurance was delivered on behalf of President Bola Tinubu by the Ministers of State for Environment and Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Kunle Salako and Professor Joseph Ustev, when they paid an on the spot assessment to the Isheri North Community which had rendered many homeless.

Salako in his remarks explained that the flood challenge was as a result of climate change being experienced globally.

The Minister of State for Environment said this phenomenon cannot be reversed, hence the need for people to be environmentally responsible to mitigate the effects of global warming.

Salako hinted that the FG would find a permanent solution to the problem by undertaking a comprehensive study of the area.

“The problem here is multifaceted. From findings and research, I can see that we have to attack the problem from many angles. The role of the two dams, the Oyan Dam, the Ogun River, the role of our habits and our practices as people and the effect of climate change.

“For us to be able to permanently solve this problem, we must undertake a comprehensive study, so that we can understand fully what needs to be done in a way that we will proffer a solution.

“The perspective of the federal Ministry of Environment is to immediately commission a comprehensive study of this place, so that we fully understand what we need to do with Ogun river, the dams. How do we ensure that we expand our drainages and lift our roads and our people to change their habits and be more environmentally responsible?

“The result of climate change experiencing globally is not something we can reverse. This kind of environmental challenge has been with us and we must be environmentally responsible, to ensure that we do not build on drainages. We clear our drainages and properly dispose of our waste.

“I want to assure you that with the commitment of the President, the proactiveness the governor has demonstrated, there will be a permanent solution.”

Ustev in his remarks hinted that the FG had set up a committee that would be working entirely on different challenges of Nigeria .

He said, “A team already sent to assess the flooding situation in Isheri, they have gone round and have observed salient challenges.

“We are providing solution on flooding in the entire Nigeria, not only in Ogun. We are believing that the solution has come. The federal government is leaving no stone on turned in finding a lasting solution to the flooding challenges.

“The committee is made up of different experts who are working round the clock to find solutions to the problems. Climate change is here, we can live with it and solve the challenge that comes with it.”

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, said some buildings within the Isheri residential areas constructed on waterways would be pulled down to give way for free flow of water.

He commended the federal government for sending a powerful delegation to assess the impact of the flooding on the residents.

Abiodun also appreciated the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and the Muslim organisation, NAFSAT, for making their premises available as IDPs, for those displaced by the flood.

“For us to have a permanent solution to the perennial flooding in this area, we have observed that some buildings are constructed on water channels, obstructing water from River Ogun to the Lagoon. I want to tell you that such buildings will not stand.

“We are going to embark on how to increase the level of arterial roads , believing that such steps would lead to embankment that will reduce the effect of flooding in the area,” he added.

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