- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
The Ekiti State Government has completed dredging of six out of the eight rivers , courses and waterways it commenced in January, 2023.
Speaking with community leaders and stakeholders while inspecting the dredging sites in Ado-Ekiti, the State Commissioner for Environment,Chief (Mrs)! Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe said that the project was part of the efforts of the State Government to protect the adjoining communities from flooding that may accompany heavy downpour this year,2023 and next year raining season.
The Commissioner who warned residents of the communities against dumping refuse and wastes in the newly dredgry waterways also counselled property developers in the area against building their structures less than 30 meters from river banks and waterways.
During the inspection tour which took the Commisioner to dredging sites along the Onala, Tinuola, Elemi, and Balemo areas of Ekiti State Capital, she stressed that apart from the risk of floodeding, houses constructed close to water ways always acted as impedment to free flow of water during heavy downpour.
Aluko-Ajisafe emphasized that Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji Adminstration values lives and properties of Ekiti people hence has directed his ministry to take proactive steps to prevent the lives and properties of the citizenry from natural disasters.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Babatunde Alokan urged members of the community to always get approval from the Ministry of Housing, physical planing and Urban development before building their houses.
Speaking about the areas of coverage of the dredging project and challenges,the project engineers are facing, the General Manager, State Environment Protection Agency(SEPA), Mr Frances Adunmo, disclosed that the Agency’s escravators could not gain access to some parts of the river courses because of the closeness of some buildings to the river.
He Further said that in order to get the work done thoroughly, the State Government must take a proactive measure to sensitize people about the rules guiding property development in the State.
