Residents Count Losses As Flood Wreaks Havoc In Ondo Community

Residents of Irese community in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State are now counting their losses after a heavy downpour that fell on Saturday submerged their houses, leading to loss of their  goods and properties.

The residents who cried out to the state government to assist them in cushioning the effect of the excessive flood that continues to submerge the access road to the town lamented how the flood has taken over the road.

They said the only tarred road to the town had been in deplorable condition for years and gradually impassable due to the rainy season.

It was gathered that the potholes-ridden road, which has been in a poor state, also links Irese and Aaye communities to Ijare town – both in Ifedore LGA of the state.

Speaking with our correspondent while lamenting the predicament of residents of the community, the Olu of Irese town, Oba Ahmed Saka, expressed worries over the danger of plying the road during the rainy season because it is always flooded.

Oba Saka said the excessive flood has brought untold hardship to the community, noting that goods and property worth millions of naira have been lost to the flood, which entered into residents’ homes and shops.

According to him, the excessive flooding in the community especially during the rainy season had hindered development with many residents shutting down their local businesses and leaving the town.

While blaming the deplorable condition of the major access road into the town for the constant flooding, the Irese traditional ruler said vehicle owners in the town and commuters spend unquantifiable man-hours anytime the road is submerged by the flood.

He, however, appealed to the state government to come to the aid of the community by helping to fix the road and channel the water properly to avoid the constant flooding of the only access road to the town.

“Although, we appreciate the state government for the ongoing construction from Akure to Irese road. It’s a kind gesture and welcome development by our people,’’ he added.