Edo govt to complete Benin water storm project

The Edo State government has reiterated its determination to complete the multi-billion-naira Benin water storm project.

The government also advised residents living in lowland and riverine areas to be vigilant and relocate to higher planes to avert possible flooding following the release of modulated amounts of water into River Niger from Lagdo Dam by Cameroonian authorities.

Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Joshua Omokhodion, who gave the advice in Benin City, dispelled reports that Governor Godwin Obaseki has abandoned the water project started by the immediate past government to tackle flooding in the state.

Omokhodion disclosed that the government will pay compensation to owners of buildings whose properties have been marked for demolition, as well as tackle the ecological disaster in every part of the state.

The commissioner said the ministry has directed the state Flood Erosion and Watershed Management Agency (FEWMA) to carry out a comprehensive report of all erosion prone areas.

IN a related development, the state government has called on residents in Riverine communities of Agenebode in Etsako East local council, Anegbete in Etsako Central local council and Illushi in Esan South East, as well as Ikpoba Okha, Ovia North-East and Ovia South-West council to relocate to safer locations in view of impending flood.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, said: “Edo State Government has been informed that the authorities of Lagdo Dam in the Republic of Cameroon would be releasing modulated amounts of water into River Benue due to flooding caused by incessant torrential downpour.

“Residents are hereby put on notice to be vigilant and relocate to a higher plain. The Edo State Government will provide support to those displaced from their homes by the rising water level occasioned by the overflow of the River Benue.”