Ogun State government is set to introduce additional tributaries to the Ogun River to tackle persistent flooding in the wetland border towns of Isheri, Kara, Wawa, and Arepo. This initiative aims to improve the living conditions of residents in these areas, with the project expected to begin next month in phases.
Dr. Ola Oresanya, the Commissioner for Environment, shared details during a consultative meeting with Ogun River Basin Communities at Riverview Estate, Isheri. He emphasized that the plan would affect some residents and structures, prompting the need for consultations before implementation.
“This is a step towards a lasting solution to flooding in the region,” Oresanya said. “The creation of additional tributaries will significantly enhance livability in these communities.”
The state government’s previous flood control efforts, such as the dredging of the Oparo River, have already shown results. According to Oresanya, this intervention reduced the flood retention time from six weeks to just three weeks.
In his remarks, Mr. Olanrewaju Akinde, Chairman of the Ogun-Lagos River Basin Communities, expressed optimism: “This engagement has renewed our hope. We look forward to the state government’s interventions that will make our communities more habitable.”