To avert flooding in Osun State, the state government has appealed to residents to stop indiscriminately blocking waterways through dumping of refuse.
The commissioner for environment and sanitation, Hon. Mayowa Adejoorin, who made the appeal while speaking with newsmen in Osogbo yesterday, said the government had taken proactive measures through the ongoing dredging of waterways in major towns across the state.
The commissioner, who reiterated the commitment of Governor Ademola Adeleke to the welfare of Osun residents, said the government would not neglect any community in the ongoing exercise
Adejoorin said the state government started the dredging and clearing waterways even before the flood alert was given and could not withstand the loss of life of a single soul to flooding.
He stated that it would be impossible to stop flooding if residents remained adamant about dumping refuse into canals and rivers, even if the government dredged them.
He said, “Our machines are dredging some water channels in Iwo now as I talk to you. We are not limiting this to Osogbo; we will clear the waterways in all the towns.
“We have dredged in Osogbo, Ilesa, Ila, Ile-Ife, Ifetedo, Modakeke and Iwo. Next is Ede, Gbongan, Ikirun, Ikire, Okinni, Ifon, Ibokun, Owena and other prone areas in the state. These shall be done in weeks ahead.
“We do not want to repeat what happened in Osogbo some years back. We are clearing all the canals and waterways and working to ensure that social services do not suffer,” he said
The commissioner said the state government would adopt a whistle-blowing policy to stop residents from throwing their waste by the roadside and at other unapproved sites.
He said environmental marshals are already posted out to clean our major roads, adding that some will be engaged very soon to join the existing ones to help prevent those who might want to stay up late from violating environmental laws and regulations.
