NiMET prediction: Ogun allays fears of severe flooding

Contrary to the 2018 Seasonal Rainfall Prediction (SRP) of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which listed Ogun State as one of the states prone to severe flooding this year, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr.Bolaji Oyeleye has said flash flood could only occur in flood prone communities and not the entire state.
  
He said the Flood and Erosion Control Department of his ministry, at the beginning of this year, embarked on the dredging of river/stream courses, as well as desilting of drainages in major towns in preparation for the rainy season to prevent flood disasters.
 
He said: “The river and stream courses that have been dredged in the state capital so far include, Sokori stream course from Isale-Igbein to
Ijeja, the drainage path of swampy areas within Lafenwa Market, Akingbade stream in Obantoko and Fatola Estate steam course at Camp.
   
“A dilapidated and submerged culvert linking Oke-Odo to Abule Oloni in Abeokuta was also reconstructed. In addition, a river course in
Owode Ketu area and another along Ilaro-Owode Road of Ogun West Senatorial District have also been dredged.’’

He recalled that the state was generally flood-free all through the rainy season last year, as a result of the standard drainages that accompanied the roads constructed by the Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led administration.
   
He, therefore, implored residents to play their part, by clearing drainages and road medians within their vicinity, while motorists should drive carefully during the rainy season, as the period may be characterised by strong winds capable of pulling down trees, thereby causing obstructions on the roads.