The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has commenced the clearing of water hyacinths from the waterways in the Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local governments area of Ondo State.
Speaking while monitoring the exercise, the administrative secretary of the intervention agency, Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, said
that the clearing had already commenced in areas with high infestation and impacts on navigation.
She said the initiative aimed to enhance economic activities and ensure the safety of life and property in the mandated areas.
According to her, the clearing was executed by youths from various beneficiary communities, saying that the exercise was ongoing in various locations, including the River Alape and River Oropo, Mahintedo, Igboegunrin, Imoluwa, and Itebu in the Ilaje council area.
Also, the waterways such as Opugbene, Ogidigba, Ojodou, Lalatei, Fiyebrashintei, Kiribo, Sabomi, Igbekebo, and Igbotu have been cleared in the Ese-Odo axis of the mandate areas.
She disclosed that state Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa approved the clearing of water hyacinths in these areas as part of his commitment to environmental protection, sustainability, safety, and the well-being of coastal communities.
She noted that the water hyacinths have blocked waterways, affecting the economic productivity of rural dwellers, hence the need for the exercise.
The clearing exercise, which began at the weekend, aimed to remove aquatic vegetation, debris, and other obstacles to prevent flooding, improve navigation, and enhance the overall ecosystem in Ilaje and Ese-Odo.
She said, “We are very mindful that this is the rainy season and the season for water hyacinths on the waterways.
“This exercise aims to remove aquatic vegetation, debris, and other obstacles hindering the free flow of water, thereby preventing flooding, improving navigation, and enhancing the overall ecosystem in Ilaje and Ese-Odo.
“This effort is to mitigate the occasional damage to boat engines caused by this stubborn aquatic weed and to eliminate delays in travel time while promoting the use of water transport as a viable alternative that is safe, fast, and secure.”
The commission urged residents of the coastal communities and stakeholders to cooperate with the clearing team to ensure a seamless and successful operation.
Prince Adekunle Adeyemi, the Oloja of Oke-Pare and Alape, thanked the state government and OSOPADEC for their timely intervention in clearing the water hyacinths across the Oke-Pare and Alape axes. He noted the difficulties in fishing activities and navigation between the Alape River in Ondo State and Lagos State due to the water hyacinths.
The Youth Leader in Alape, Prince Taye Akinbuwa, assured OSOPADEC of massive cooperation from the youths to ensure the water hyacinths are removed from the waterways.
He promised that the work would not be hindered and that the youths would fully support the Commission’s team in ensuring a successful operation.
He also called for more support for Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration to foster growth, prosperity, and environmental sustainability in the mandated areas.
The exercise was supervised by the Environment and Natural Resources Unit of the Commission. Engr. Aworetan assured that environmental protection, sustainability, and development are the core missions of OSOPADEC and that the Commission will not relent in fulfilling its mandate for the coastal areas.
He added that the commission has completed arrangements to pay outstanding bursaries and scholarships for students from the mandated areas.
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