SA ON INFRASTRUCTURE, AYO BABALOLA CAUTIONS ONDO STATE RESIDENTS AGAINST BUILDING STRUCTURES CLOSE TO RIVER CHANNELS, FOLLOWING FLOODING IN ONDO
SA ON INFRASTRUCTURE, AYO BABALOLA CAUTIONS ONDO STATE RESIDENTS AGAINST BUILDING STRUCTURES CLOSE TO RIVER CHANNELS, FOLLOWING FLOODING IN ONDO
The Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Works and Infrastructure, Pastor Ayo Babalola, has visited the flood ravaged areas in Ondo Town with a team of engineers from the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.
At Ita Nla, Ile-Oluji Junction, a shop filled with bags of cement was completely washed away by the floodwaters, with over 300 bags destroyed.
It was discovered that the culvert in the area was blocked by silt, and a relaxation spot had been constructed on the water channel, reducing its width and contributing to the flooding.
At Oke Odunwo, the culvert was found to be too small to handle the volume of water, causing the flood to overflow and destroy structures within a 50-meter radius along the river's course. Residents of the area reported that the culvert, which had three rings, was over 50 years old and was likely built during the colonial era.
Speaking to journalists, Pastor Babalola explained that an amphibious excavator had already been used to clear refuse from the waterway and dredge the canal, which helped mitigate the damage. He also revealed that the state government had approved the reconstruction of the culvert to a larger size to better accommodate the volume of water. However, due to the recent flooding, the scope of the project would be expanded to include additional channelling on both sides of the bridge.
Several areas affected by the flooding were inspected by the Special Adviser, including Ita Nla, Oke Odunwo (Jordan Street), Lipakala/Laje Road, Yaba, Esporta Suites (Ife Road), and Funbi Fagun Estate.
Pastor Babalola was accompanied by Commissioners for Environment, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oyeniyi Oseni and Gbenga Olaniyi respectfully; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Legislative Matters and Special Duties, Jibayo Adeleye; and officials from the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
Speaking at the scene, Pastor Babalola said, "We are here to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of what happened yesterday through the night.
"We appeal to our people to be cautious. The volume of water flowing from the other side of the culvert to Jordan Street is enormous, which is why we are facing this situation. We've observed some issues, such as dumping refuse in the canal, though this has been minimal.
"The culvert here was built over 40 years ago with six rings—three below and three on top. However, the lower three rings have become blocked, leaving only three to handle the heavy flow of water, which is insufficient.
"Additionally, some residents have built on the river course, but Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa will take the necessary steps to address this issue.
"Once we complete the box culvert, we will extend channelling several meters on both sides of the culvert.
"We have noticed that many people who built their homes too close to the river course have already started relocating. Once we complete the measures we are implementing, those remaining in vulnerable areas will also need to move.
"About three weeks ago, we directed the contractor to move to the site, as the culvert project had already been awarded. However, given the recent developments, we will need to expand the scope of the contract. In the meantime, we will implement some temporary measures, and the amphibious excavator has already completed the dredging.
"There's little more we can do now due to the heavy rainfall, but once the rain subsides, we will begin full construction work. In the meantime, we urge residents to block any entry points where water could flow into their homes.
"The contractor will return tomorrow to ensure the water flows through its proper course, and full construction will begin once the rain subsides."
Residents of the Town are currently counting their losses as numerous properties were destroyed by severe flooding.
The torrential downpour, which began around 5 p.m. on Friday, continued late into the night, causing canals and streams to overflow their banks. Many homes and structures were submerged, and several residents who were swept away by the floodwaters were rescued by passersby.
Virtually all buildings located along valleys and canal paths were affected by the flooding.
For three days, the town experienced persistent rainfall, but the situation worsened on Friday when a particularly heavy downpour occurred."
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