As the rainy season sets in, residents of Edo State in flood-prone communities, especially in Benin City the state capital, now live in fear as they are left to the mercy of the perennial ravaging natural disaster.
On a yearly basis, residents of such areas lose their property to the flooding, which in some cases leads to the loss of lives.
Despite the N30 billion water storm project embarked upon by the then administration of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the issue of flooding in some parts of the state capital has persisted.
Governor Godwin Obaseki in addressing flooding in the state had promised to complete the Benin water storm project initiated by his predecessor (Oshiomhole).
Some of the flood-prone areas ravaged by perennial flooding includes 5 Junction, Queen Ede, Teachers House, Ogbesun, Iyama street by Legislative Quarters, Ogiso, part of Boundary Road in Government Reserved Areas (GRA).
Recently, the flood also took over the Uselu, Ugbowo/Benin Lagos Road as motorists were forced to either wait until the flood subsided or sought for alternative routes.
The situation at Sapele and Erediauwa was pathetic as flooding posed danger to lives and properties.
A resident, Mr Nathaniel Igho, said that they had expected the government to come to their aid since the issue of flooding had been a perennial problem.
Igho lamented, “The main cause of this flooding in the area was as a result of the blockage of the moat and diversion of water from other areas. The people brought to do the job are responsible and they are only concerned about their interest as against the interest of the majority of people in this area”.
The situation is not different at Aruosa Street and Sakponba Road that were also affected by the heavy downpour as tenants and landlords are making plans to relocate.
Meanwhile, the commissioner for communication and orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, when contacted, said the state government had earlier issued warning alerts to residents in areas prone to flooding and assured commitment of the Obaseki-led administration in tackling floods in the state.
“As we enter the rainy season, residents not only in Benin City but in lowlands and riverine areas including those in Agenebode, Anegbete and Ilullshi of Etsako East, Etsako Central and Esan South East local government areas, respectively are hereby put on notice to be vigilant and relocate to a higher plain,” he said.
He added that the state government would provide support to those displaced from their homes by the rising water level occasioned by flooding.
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