OSOPADEC moves to protect the ecosystem of coastal communities in Ondo.

The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has begun moves to ensure the environmental sustainability and protection of communities in the southern senatorial district of Ondo State with the clearing of waterways and the removal of hyacinths.

The Secretary of the Commission, Abike Bayo-Ilawole, who disclosed this at the weekend, stated that the measure will enhance economic activities and ensure the safety of lives and property in Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Councils.

While monitoring the exercise executed by youths in the various communities, Bayo-Ilawole identified the waterways as River Alape, River Oropo, Mahintedo, Igboegunrin, Imoluwa and Itebu in Ilaje Local Council.

She added that in Ese-Odo, waterways such as Opugbene, Ogidigba, Ojodou, Lalatei, Fiyebrashintei, Kiribo, Sabomi, Igbekeboand Igbotu were cleared.

The Secretary, who revealed that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa approved the clearing of water hyacinths, stressed that the environmental situation had blocked waterways, thereby affecting the economic productivity of rural dwellers.

She said: “We are very mindful that this is the rainy season and the season for water hyacinths on the waterways. This exercise aims to remove aquatic vegetation, debris, and other obstacles hindering the free flow of water, thereby preventing flooding, improving navigation, and enhancing the overall ecosystem in Ilaje and Ese-Odo.

“This effort is to mitigate the occasional damage to boat engines caused by this stubborn aquatic weed and to eliminate delays in travel time while promoting the use of water transport as a viable alternative that is safe, fast, and secure.”

The commission urges residents of the coastal communities and stakeholders to cooperate with the clearing team to ensure a seamless and successful operation.

On his part, the Oloja of Oke-Pare and Alape, Prince Adekunle Adeyemi, lauded the state government for the intervention, noting that the difficulties in fishing activities and navigation between the Alape River in Ondo State and Lagos State had been addressed.

Also, Alape Youth Leader, Taye Akinbuwa, assured OSOPADEC of massive cooperation from the youths to ensure the water hyacinths were removed from the waterways.

He also called for more support for Aiyedatiwa’s administration to foster growth, prosperity, and environmental sustainability in the mandated areas.