Dr. Lanre Tejuoso
Dr. Lanre Tejuoso - Commissioner for Environment, Ogun State
The dredging of waterways and clearing of drainages in different parts of Ogun State being undertaken by the Ministry of Environment will not be stopped, but done continuously in order to prevent the State from experiencing flooding.
Commissioner for Environment - Dr Lanre Tejuoso made this known while inspecting one of such dredgings going on in flood-prone areas of Akute, Alagboole and Ifelodun communities in Ifo Local Government area of the State.
Tejuoso recalled that last year, the State did not experience flooding as was the case with some neighbouring States, attributing this to the prompt intervention of the State Government through massive de-silting of drainages and dredging of waterways which enhanced free flow of water.
“You will recall that the State didn’t experience flooding last year like other neighbouring States which recorded huge loss of lives and properties… and in maintaining the feat this year, we had embarked on clearing of major drainages and dredging of waterways especially flood prone areas across the State, even before NIMET’s predictions and NEMA’s warning, to prevent flooding and probably torrential rainfall” Tejuoso stated.
He said apart from dredging, his Ministry was already partnering with the Ministry of Physical Planning to ensure that all illegal structures erected along waterways and river courses were removed to also allow for free flow of water, adding that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) had been adequately equipped to address emergency situations.
The Commissioner enjoined residents to join hands with Government in maintaining a clean and healthy environment by disposing wastes properly at designated sites, saying that a clean environment would be an attraction to investors who could make meaningful contributions to the socio-economic development of the State.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olufemi Falano disclosed that arrangements were being made to make the machine used in clearing the drainages available to other flood- prone areas to make the crusade against flooding in the State record huge success.