Ogun State Government Urges Residents in Flood-Prone Areas to Relocate

 

The Ogun State Government has called on residents living in flood-affected communities to relocate immediately following the release of water from the Oyan Dam. Some of the impacted areas include Isheri, Riverview Estate, Oshorun Estate, OPIC Estate, Arepo, Mawere, Akute, Alagbole, Orimerunmu, and Magboro.

The government reminded residents to adhere to earlier flood alerts, advising them to either relocate or take measures to elevate their homes, especially during this time of the year when flooding is more likely.

Ola Oresanya, the Commissioner for Environment, made this appeal on Wednesday, explaining that the flooding resulted from the lowland nature of these communities, coupled with increased tidal fluctuations from river flooding. This prompted the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority to release excess water from the Oyan Dam to prevent more severe damage.

"The release of excess water from the Oyan Dam is necessary to avert any potential disasters," Oresanya said. He assured residents that floodwaters are expected to begin receding significantly from Friday, October 25, through waterways and canals that were dredged under the current administration led by Governor Dapo Abiodun.

He added that the government is working closely with Lagos State and the Federal Government to find lasting solutions to the recurring flooding in the affected areas.