The Federal Government on Wednesday assured of a permanent solution to flooding challenges currently ravaging Isheri community in Ifo local government area of Ogun state.
The Minister of State for Environment, Isiaq Salako and his Water Resources and Sanitation counterpart , Prof. Joseph Utsev were in the state for an on-the-spot assessment of the flooded community.
Speaking, Salako noted that plans were on the way to find a permanent solution to the perennial flooding always experienced by the Isheri community.
The minister of state for environment explained that President Bola Tinubu was aware of the problems and had been proactive in addressing the problems.
” The president is aware of this problem , he fully understand where the problem is and he has been very proactive in addressing the problem
Am aware that the problem is topmost in the heart of the state governor.
” I believe that we will find a permanent solution to the problem.
Salako stated that for the flooding problems to be permanently solved, there was need to undertake a comprehensive study in order to understand what needed to be done in a way that would proffer a solution .
” We should understand what we need to do with Ogun river , the dams , how do we ensure that we expand our drainages and lift our roads and our people to change there habit and be more environmentally responsible,” he said.
The minister , who noted that the problems were multi faceted, opined that the result
of climate change experiencing globally could not be reversed, saying there was need to be environmentally responsible.
He noted building on drainages, blocked drainages and improper disposal of wastes were also factors responsible for flooding.
” I want to assure you that with the commitment of the president , the proactiveness the governor has demonstrated , there will be a permanent solution .
” The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is fully aware of the challenges and will do the needful in terms of palliatives,” he said.
Also speaking, Prof. Utsev , noted that the president had always been proactive and ready to solve flooding issues across the country.
He stated that the FG had set up a committee that was working entirely on different challenges of Nigeria.
The minister noted that the committee was made up of different experts who were working round the clock to find solution to the problems.
” A team already sent to assess the flooding situation in Isheri , they have gone round and have observed salient challenges
” We are providing solution to flooding in the entire Nigeria , not only in Ogun . We are believing that the solution has come,” he said.
Utsev sympathised with the victims of the flood , saying that the FG would do the needful as soon as possible.
In his response, Gov. Dapo Abiodun,
announced the formulation of drainage master plan as a major initiative to address longstanding drainage issues in the region.
He appreciated the President for responding swiftly to his government’s call in finding immediate solution to the flooding problem.
Abiodun pointed out that with a well designed drainage master plan and proper channelisation of rivers, the region could effectively manage excess water flow and prevent it from affecting the residents.
The governor, however, stated that any building built on drainage channel would be pulled down to allow for free flow of water.
Mr Akintola Omigbodun, speaking onbehalf of the Resident Association of Isheri North Community, appreciated the governor and the federal government for showing concern to the plight of the people.
He pleaded for immediate solution to the flooding challenges in the community.
