Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has directed relevant agencies of government to activate the plans of the state on flood prevention with immediate effect.
He issued the directives after receiving reports of the inspections of the recent Osogbo flash floods which affected several parts of the state capital.
Secretary to the State Government, Hon Teslim Igbalaye, and other top government officials had visited scenes of the flash flood, Saturday evening.
Governor Adeleke, in a release by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, specifically instructed the Ministry of Environment, Works and other associated agencies to speed up work on all ongoing chanelisation projects.
He further mandated them to launch the implementation of flood prevention agenda of the state government.
Part of the programmes, it was stated, included clearing of blocked drainage and waterways and removal of structures blocking river lines.
Others included sensitisation against refuse dumping in waterways and continuation of channelisation programmes of the administration.
“I direct the relevant agencies to set out to work on our flood prevention programmes. What we experienced was a flash flood but we must be proactive.
“All work plan already approved must be implemented without further delay,” the governor stated in the released.
He added: “Osun is one of the state listed on the flood alert. The rainy season is here and we must be on the alert.
“We have launched many channelisation programmes across many towns and villages. This is still ongoing.
“I also urge our people to stop dumping of refuse on drainage and waterways. Proper disposal of waste is provided for under the supervision of the Ministry of Environment.
“Our people must embrace such best practices to avoid avoidable loss of properties and lives.”
The governor commiserated with victims of the flash flood at Osogbo and other parts of the state.
He also instructed the state Ministry of Environment to submit a report on the incidents with actionable recommendations.
