By Editor
The Ekiti State Government says it has embarked on massive dredging of waterways and desilting of culverts and drainages as part of measures to prevent flooding in the state.
The General Manager of the Ekiti State Environmental Protection and Watershed Management Agency (EKSEPWMA), Mr Olukayode Adunmo, disclosed this on Thursday while featuring on *Ekiti L'oni/Ekiti Today*, a live radio programme in Ado-Ekiti.
Adunmo said the measures followed an advisory by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on the possibility of flash flooding in 13 states of the federation.
He said the state government was adopting a multi-pronged approach, including improved inter-agency collaboration, to ensure effective development control and constructive engagement with landlords and community associations in flood-prone areas.
According to him, the state government was taking proactive measures to forestall flooding in low-lying communities, urban centres with inadequate drainage systems, and other vulnerable areas.
The General Manager said EKSEPWMA was collaborating with the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Ministry of Environment, the Ekiti State Housing Corporation and the Bureau of Lands Services to ensure effective development control.
He said the collaboration was also aimed at preventing the construction of structures on waterways and other flood-prone areas.
Adunmo disclosed that, apart from the ongoing dredging of waterways and desilting of culverts and drainages in Ado-Ekiti, the administration of Gov. Biodun Oyebanji had approved the dredging of critical waterways in Ikere-Ekiti, Irepodun/Ifelodun, Emure and some other parts of Ado-Ekiti local government areas.
He said the initiative would complement previous dredging exercises carried out by the government in 2023,2024 and 2025 in Ekiti South-West, Ido-Osi, Ise/Orun, Moba, Ikere and Irepodun/Ifelodun local government areas.
Adunmo stressed the need for residents to stop dumping refuse in drainage channels, saying indiscriminate disposal of waste into gutters and drains could obstruct the free flow of water and worsen flooding.
He called for a change in attitude among residents, urging them to take responsibility for keeping their immediate environment clean and free from refuse.
The General Manager said EKSEPWMA and other relevant government agencies were also embarking on massive media awareness and sensitisation campaigns to educate residents on disaster risks and appropriate preventive measures.
He said the agency was working assiduously to fulfil its statutory mandate, including watershed protection, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), and the prevention of industrial and residential pollution in the state.
On the alleged offensive odour reportedly experienced in some parts of the state, Adunmo said the source and cause had yet to be identified despite rigorous monitoring by the officials of the Ministry of Environment and the agency
He, however, urged residents to remain vigilant and volunteer useful information that could assist the authorities in identifying the source of the odour.
Adunmo assured residents that the agency and the State Ministry of Environment would continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate measures within its mandate to protect the environment and safeguard public health.
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