The Oyo State Government has initiated clearing over 153.11 kilometers of blocked drainages and culverts along major roads in Ibadan to mitigate flood risks during the rainy season.
Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, made this announcement in a statement on Wednesday.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to prevent flood disasters and ensure the safety of residents during periods of heavy rainfall.
Mogbonjubola stated, “The government deems it necessary to clear blocked drains and culverts of debris such as nylon, bottles, sand, wood, and tyres to ensure free flow of water during rainfall, thereby reducing the risk of flooding.”
Represented by Oladipo Adebowale, the Director of the Ministry’s Engineering Department, Commissioner Mogbonjubola emphasized the importance of this proactive measure in preventing avoidable flooding incidents in the state.
During an on-the-spot assessment tour that included officials from the Ministry, the State Project Performance Monitoring Agency, and the Office of the Auditor-General, Mogbonjubola commended the government’s foresight in prioritizing the desilting of drainages as a critical step in safeguarding the community from potential flood hazards.
He also issued a stern warning to residents against illegal dumping of refuse in unauthorized locations, stating, “Blocking drains and culverts not only leads to flooding but also damages the asphalt layers of our roads. Anyone found dumping refuse indiscriminately will face the full wrath of the State Environmental Law.”
Among the major drainages cleared were those along Total Garden to Beere, Iyaganku to Odo-Ona, Apata, Total Jericho to Alesinloye Roundabout, Sango-Eleyele to Ologuneru, Ijokodo-Apete-Awotan, Olunde to Olojuoro Road, and several others.
