The Oyo State Government has called on residents to cooperate with the Seyi Makinde-led administration, through the Ministry of Environment, to prevent flooding, attributing recent floods in the Ibadan metropolis to human activities.
In a statement issued by the Director General of the Oyo State Mobilization Agency for Socio-Economic Development (OYMASED), Dr. Morohunkola Thomas, he noted that the season of heavy rains is here, emphasizing the need for everyone to contribute to flood prevention efforts.
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Thomas urged residents to avoid blocking waterways and drainages, refrain from indiscriminate waste disposal, and ensure the proper maintenance of drainage systems.
The OYMASED DG further explained that the state government has made significant efforts to prevent flooding through initiatives such as the Ibadan Urban Flood Management Early Warning System, channelization of drainages, and the construction of bridges.
While encouraging residents to observe precautionary measures, Thomas pointed out that the Ibadan Urban Flood Early Warning System can only predict floods caused by rain and overflowing riverbanks but not those resulting from human activities, such as blocked drains and improper waste disposal.
He therefore appealed to Oyo State residents to support the government’s ongoing efforts to prevent flooding during this period of heavy rainfall.
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