By: BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
Worried by the havoc wrecked by the Wednesday’s heavy downpour, Oyo State Government is to embark on dredging of 64 streams and blocked drainages across the state.
The State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Chief Isaac Ishola disclosed this on Thursday while speaking on moves by the state government to stop flooding in the state.
Chief Ishola declared that the dredging is to be conducted through the Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project (IUFMP) in conjunction with the State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources .
According to Chief Ishola, the 64 streams to be dredged are within the 11 Local Councils and their Local Council Development Areas in Ibadan, and that the dredging will commence immediately the disclosure and display of Environmental Social Management Plan is completed.
The Commissioner pointed out that the state government has taken proactive steps to prevent flooding in the state and that the citizens need to complement government efforts by restraining from activities that can block the flood drain.
Chief Ishola also warned the people of the state to desist from dumping of refuse into the rivers, streams and water channel, saying that offenders will be treated in accordance with the provision of the environmental laws and regulations of the state.
He stressed that Oyo state government has continuously sensitised the public on environmental sanitation, saying, the dredging ” is in addition to the expansion of some rivers in the state for free flow of water and dredging of some rivers”
The Commissioner stated that in line with the Safeguard requirement of IUFMP sub projects, the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) safeguard team will be displaying Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for dredging of streams and clearing of blocked drains in order to sensitize the general public on the social and environmental impact of the project.
Emphasizing that the ESMP action is also to mitigate if the need arises, the negative impact of the project as stipulated by the guidelines of World Bank Projects,
Chief Ishola said there will be updates on Environment and Social Impact Assessment for Eleyele Dam rehabilitation is to ensure the project is line with best practices without any hazard to the society.
