The government of Ogun State has issued a warning to residents of the state to refrain from dumping waste in drains, streams or rivers. Instead, they are encouraged to utilize the reliable means of waste disposal provided by the State Waste Management Authority, OGWAMA, and the Private Sector Participant, PSP, as a way of preventing the impending flood.
The Commissioner of Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya, stated this during a press conference in the state capital of Abeokuta. He advised residents to avoid building structures on run-off routes and placing temporary structures and containers or extending business premises on top of drains in markets and public places.
Mr Oresanya further emphasized the need for caution on other man-made problems such as illegal sand dredging along stream courses, uncontrolled agricultural practices, building on floodplains of streams/rivers, and non-adherence to travel advice during rainfall.
The Commissioner alerted residents of the state to brace themselves for flash floods, as the state is expecting 3,646mm of rainfall between April and November of this year. He explained that the warning was necessary due to the prediction of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency on the 2023 flood alert in the state.
Mr Oresanya stated, “In preparation for the inevitable impact of the natural pattern of rainfall predicted for the year 2023, residents in the following areas at Onikoko, Sokori and Arakanga areas in Abeokuta, Owa and Yemule riverbanks in Ijebu-Ode, Eruwuru in Sagamu, Ebute Kimobi in Ijebu East, Isaka Owode in Ado Odo Ota, Owode, Igijo, Ilaro, and Ijoko should expect flash floods due to heavy rainfall within short periods in the first season of rainfall.”
“Residents in these areas are expected to avoid major roads and the setback during the period of conventional downpours.”
He also stated that the second season of rainfall would have a prolonged impact on wetlands such as Alagbole, Akute, Isheri, Warewa, Oke-Afa, Mowe, Ibafo, Kara, Onihale, Ebute Kimobi, and Riverside Estate. These areas will experience coastal flooding due to the tidal lock of the Ogun River by Lagos Lagoon from the natural rise in sea-level coupled with the possible release of excessive water from the Oyan dam.
“Residents of these areas should be prepared to relocate temporarily from those areas during the second season of rainfall if required,” he advised.
Furthermore, farmers in the state were advised to complete their harvest in August and to avoid farming and livestock rearing along the floodplain to prevent the adverse impact of intense flooding during the second season of rainfall.
“Communities within these areas are advised to avoid drinking water from unprotected wells and boreholes along the floodplain to avoid public hygiene breakdown due to possible contamination of the water wells during this period,” he added.
“In realization of the interboundary impact of flooding, we wish to reassure residents of the state that we have effective collaboration with the management of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) and the neighboring states of Lagos and Oyo, especially as it relates to the release of water from Oyan Dam. The residents will be duly informed ahead of time whenever OORBDA wishes to release the detained water beyond the daily thresholds for safety reasons.”
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