The people of the state of Osun have been advised to desist from dumping refuse indiscriminately in the streams and rivers to prevent floods
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment and Sanitation, Hon. Rufus Oyegbile stated this during the flag-off ceremony of dredging of waterways in the State of Osun.
Hon. Oyegbile stated that in a bid to widen the stream and clear blockages, Swamp Buggy which is an amphibious equipment has been deployed by the government for the exercise.
According to him, the administration of Mr Adegboyega Oyetola has taken a bold step to dredge streams and rivers in areas that are prone to flood, saying the exercise will take place in about 12 locations in Osogbo while other Local governments would also benefit from the exercise.
Hon.Oyegbile said the dredging exercise apart from Oke lJetu river , will cover Lake264, Rasco river, Were Sheusheu, Fiwasaye and Iludun rivers in Osogbo and Olorunda Local Governments.
Others areas according to him are ;Opa in Ife, Esinmirin, Iba in Iwo and Yemoja Mogimogi in Isokan among others.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Hon Sola Oladepo, explained that the exercise embarked upon by the state government in collaboration with ALGON is a special intervention measure to guide against the impending flood as predicted by NIMET.
He implored general public to comply with the environmental rules by making their environment clean always.
Also, the Chairman Assocation of Local Governments of Nigeria ALGON in the State, Hon Abiodun Idowu, disclosed that local government chairmen decided to join forces with the State Government to prevent flood in the state in order to save lives and properties.
In their separate contributions, the residents of the Oke Ijetu area in Osogbo, Mr Lanre Mustapha and Miss Temidayo Akeem said this is the first time the stream in Oke Ijetu area in Osogbo would be dredged, adding that the action will allow free flow of water and put an end to the flood that normally disturbs residents of the area.
Toyin Adeoye
Press officer
