In its bid to reduce the effects of flooding as a result of heavy rainfall, Oyo State Government has ordered the removal of no fewer than 200 illegal structures at Ojoo Round-about, Ojoo Area in Ibadan.
It also disclosed that about 24 rivers will be dredged as part of the proactive measures to mitigate against flooding in the state.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Isaac Ishola ordered the removal of the illegal structures at Ojoo Round-about, Ojoo Area in Ibadan while monitoring the weekly environmental sanitation exercise within the State capital.
He said “Government places more priority on the cleanliness of our environment. We will not allow any person or group of persons to jeopardize our efforts in ensuring a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.
“We have received several letters from Ojoo Police Station that the said illegal market is a security threat”.
He noted that the rivers have been approved for dredging through the World Bank assisted project, Ibadan Urban Flood management, stressing that the measures are part of the action taken by the government in preparedness for the heavy downpour.
He explained that the ongoing sensitization is to ensure total compliance with the environmental sanitation rules and regulations to educate the citizens on the need to avert flood.
He admonished the people towards poor attitudinal change on environmental cleanliness by ensuring that the generated waste is kept according to the government’s policy on waste collection, urging that people should desist from dumping refuse into the drainages during raining and stop erecting kiosks on culverts to allow free flow of water.
Ishola therefore enjoined the public to adhere strictly to the State Environmental Sanitation and Waste Management Laws, noting that environmental issue is a collective responsibility.
He however commended the Federal Government’s effort for putting in place necessary machinery for the effective use of Ikere Dam, pledging that there will be synergy between the State and the Federal Government in turning the place to a tourist centre that will improve the Internally Generated Revenue.
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