Osun state Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has commiserated with residents and families affected by the recent flooding in parts of the state, asking residents to stop building and dumping refuse on waterways.
Heavy flooding has affected several parts of the state with the capital Osogbo being the most hit community.
Reacting to the crisis on Wednesday, Adeleke in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed expressed concern over the impact of the flooding on homes, businesses and livelihoods, noting that Osun has experienced excessive rainfall in recent weeks, putting additional pressure on drainage channels and waterways across the state.
The Governor directed the Special Task Force on Environmental Sanitation led by Elder Ayanleye Aina to visit affected areas and assess environmental conditions contributing to the flooding, saying, “I have directed the Special to visit affected areas and prepare a response plan for the administration.
Governor Adeleke recalled that his administration had undertaken initial dredging and drainage interventions to improve water flow and reduce flooding, assuring residents that the government will take further actions and interventions where necessary to reduce the impact of flooding on our people.
He stressed the need for community responsibility, warning that government interventions cannot achieve the desired results if waterways are obstructed by human activities.
“I urge my people, the residents of Osun State, to stop dumping refuse on waterways, roadside and desist from building on natural water channels as well as flood-prone corridors,” Governor Adeleke said.
He urged residents to report blocked drainages, flooding incidents and other environmental hazards to the appropriate authorities.
Adeleke assured affected residents that the state government will continue to respond to the situation and take additional measures to protect lives, property and communities across Osun State.