The Osun State Government plans to review flood-control projects done across the state since 2020. They also want to start an early-warning system to help prevent damage from future floods.
These plans came from a series of orders by Governor Ademola Adeleke after looking at the communities hit by the recent floods in the state.
The governor has asked for the creation of an Osun State Flood and Stormwater Master Plan. This plan will rely on detailed studies about water flow and drainage in different areas.
PUNCH Metro reports that the floods have impacted over 1,000 households in the state. Many communities in Osogbo, the capital, were among the hardest hit.
Areas like Gbodofon, Ogooluwa, Omigade, Ijetu, Oke Arungbo, Baruwa, and Isale Osun faced severe flooding.
On Thursday, our correspondent saw that more than 700 buildings near the Osun River in Ijetu, Isale Osun, and Oke Osun were affected. Homes, hotels, schools, and businesses were among the structures damaged by the flood.
In response, Adeleke ordered various ministries to work together. These include the Ministries of Environment, Works, Water Resources, Lands and Physical Planning, Health, Agriculture, Local Government Affairs, the Osun Waste Management Authority, and the Osun State Emergency Management Agency. They will assess the affected communities.
Adeleke told OSEMA to create a verified list of affected households and manage emergency help. Local governments were also told to report on the damages, including where it happened and what is needed.
A statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Thursday revealed that the governor also wants a Flood Infrastructure Performance Audit. This will cover major projects done from 2020 to now.
Adeleke directed the launch of "Osun Flood Watch." This will be an early-warning and community-reporting platform to help the state prepare for future flooding.
He also called for a Bridge and Culvert Hydraulic Safety Register. This will rate critical crossings based on their safety and risk.
The Ministry of Works was ordered to look at damaged bridges, culverts, and roads. They need to implement safety measures quickly. The Ministry of Environment and OWMA will clear important waterways and drainage areas.
Adeleke emphasized stricter actions against any developments blocking waterways, drainage paths, and flood routes. He said the Office of the Director-General and Special Envoy on Climate Change would lead the creation of a climate-risk and flood-incident report.
He instructed all ministries involved to submit their first reports within 14 days. A monthly progress report will also be required for the rest of the rainy season.
Meanwhile, the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress expressed sympathy for the flood victims. They called on the state and federal governments, religious groups, civil society organizations, and kind-hearted individuals to help those who were displaced.
In a statement by their spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, the party said the floods have caused suffering and disrupted lives in Osogbo and other areas. The APC also urged the state government to provide temporary support for those affected and asked the National Emergency Management Agency to help the communities that suffered.
They further called for stricter enforcement of building rules to stop construction in flood-prone areas and on waterways.
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