From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
The Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, the Rt Hon Taiwo Olatunbosun, has revealed that the state government has spent N475,207,920.01 in the last 18 months on dredging waterways and desilting drains and gutters.
Mr Olatunbosun made the revelation during a tour of ongoing environmental projects in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. He noted that the steps were taken to ensure the efficient passage of water through the system.
He explained that the government’s proactive move had culminated in removing impediments in waterways, allowing for a free flow of water, which has significantly reduced the risk of flooding in flood-prone areas in the capital city and other parts of the state.
According to him, the government was strategic in its efforts to solve ecological issues, stressing that the focus was to eliminate the risk of perennial flooding and environmental degradation, along with their attendant destruction of life and property.
He said the current efforts of the state government were to consolidate the gains made since the Oyebanji administration assumed office in tackling incessant flooding, erosion, and other ecological problems facing many communities.
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He disclosed that 45.67km of waterways were dredged as of the end of 2023. These included Oreremope community, behind Obasanjo Estate, along Ikere road; Olaoluwa-Omisanjana-Ureje-Olaoluwa-Alasia community; Federal Polytechnic road – ABUAD culverts to Emirin; Basiri – Olorunda – Crownbiz / Aayemi – Balemo – Onala; and Elemi – Afao road to Ado Poly, all within the Ado-Ekiti metropolis.
Mr Olatunbosun also listed communities that benefited from the desilting of 67.2km of lined drains, culverts, and access slabs. These communities included those located along Police Station New Iyin Road, Secretariat Complex, Basiri Sawmill-Police Headquarters, Christ School Complex to Nova Junction, Mojere Market-Crownbiz in Iworoko Road, NTA Road – House of Assembly Road Junction, Housing Corporation – Adebayo, Oke-Ila Main Avenue -Housing Junction, Ojumose/Aremu/Okeori Omi/Isato, St Patrick’s-Fayose Market, Lino Supermarket – School of Nursing, Roundabout/Odo-Ado/Ureje Bridge Poly Road, Ileabiye-Egbewa Junction, Eco Bank-Old Technical College, and Ajibade lane/St Andrew Anglican Mary hill entrance.
He stressed that the government’s proactive measures to ensure clear waterways and drainages effectively prevented the flood disaster predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). He added that the government would continue its efforts to protect the lives and property of residents.
On her part, the State Commissioner for Environment, Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, said the recent dredging of Ofin and Elemi streams by her ministry had concluded dredging activities on Onala Afao Road and in the Ifesowapo communities in the state capital.
She added that the dredging of waterways would continue in Ekiti South West Local Government Area, while another round of desilting drains would be extended to all parts of the state.
The Commissioner advised residents to abide strictly by state environmental laws by refraining from indiscriminately dumping waste into drainages and waterways, as well as erecting structures on river setbacks and waterways.