In the aftermath of incessant flooding in many parts of the country, Ogun State government has allayed the fears of residents of Isheri, Akute, Denro-Ishashi-Oluwakemi, Warewa, Abule Otun in Abeokuta and others living in lowland areas of the state of any impending flood as a result of release of excess water from the Oyan Dam.
Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya gave the assurance after inspecting the integrity and management strategy of the Dam at its operational site in Abeokuta.
Speaking to newsmen after the inspection, Oresanya said the dam is presently operating at just fifty six percent of its water carrying capacity, so there is no excess water that will be released which will cause flooding in those towns.
“The dam is even looking at how to accommodate more water for irrigation as they are not even anxious of any release. The concern of the management team of Oyan Dam is how to have enough water for use during the dry season rather than releasing any water that will cause flooding” Oresanya further disclosed.
He however said any flooding in those towns especially the border towns of the state that are close to Lagos will be due to encroachment on river tributaries as well as from tidal lock arising from high rise in sea level which will cause back flow and spills as they are close to the lagoon and not from Oyan Dam.
He therefore counselled them not to entertain any fear but advised them to reduce all human activities on all river tributaries near to them and stop dumping waste into drainage channels but key into the government’s effective waste management systems which is part of government efforts at reducing flooding to its bearest minimum in the state aside from the constant dredging of canals and removal of silts from drainage channels statewide.
