The federal government has assured the residents of Isheri north community in Ifo Local Government Area (LGA) of Ogun state of permanent solution to the perennial flooding disturbing the environs and other parts of the state
The minister of state environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako gave the assurance on Wednesday while addressing newsmen after an on-the-spot assessment of the flood ravaged community.
The minister explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is aware of the problem, and together with the state government, every step need to permanently address the problem would be undertaken.
“Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and with the full support of Governor of Ogun state, we will find a permanent solution to this problem”.
“Mr. President knows this problem, he fully understand what the problem is and the governor has also beng very proactive.”
Salako explained that the causes of flooding in the area is multi-faceted and will therefore required a comprehensive study in order to solve the problem.
“For us to be able to solve this problem we must undertake a comprehensive study so that we understand fully what need to be done.
From the perspective of the Federal ministry of environment, first thing we are going to do is to immediately commission a comprehensive study of this place so that we fully understand what we need to do.”
While noting that the effect of climate change is being experience all over the world, the minister urged the people to be environmentally responsible by not building on flood plains, ensure the drainages are cleared and waste are properly dispose off.
Also speaking, the minister of water resources and sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev informed that the federal government has set up a committee moving round the country to assess the level of flooding and proffer permanent solution to the flood problem
He stated that the committee comprised of expertise from various fields, including members of the ministry of environment, palliative committee and other agencies.
While assurring the people of the community of government’s effort in bringing a lasting solution to the problem, Utsev urged them to support the government effort
He said, “this is not going to be a difficult one, we are going to surmount the challenge and overcome it.
“I want to assure the people of Ogun and Lagos state residing in this community that we are leaving no stone unturn to try t see how we can provide solution.”
On his part, Ogun state governor, Dapo Abiodun appreciated the President for his promptness to the situation. He noted that a comprehensive study to identify the immediate and remote and what needed to be done for a sustainable solution will be carried out.
Gov. Abiodun also disclosed that the minister of humanitarian affair and disaster management will be visiting the community to identify with the people and supply needed palliative to cushion the effect of the disaster.
The governor also informed that difficult decisions would be made in finding lasting solution to the perennial issue of flooding including the demolition of houses built on water channel.
“In the course of driving around, we saw some buildings that were built in channel meant to channelized the water into the lagoon, such buildings will not stand,” the governor said.
