The Lagos and Ogun State governments have issued warnings to residents living in flood-prone areas, particularly along riverbanks, to temporarily relocate or brace up for potential flooding ahead of the planned release of water from the Oyan Dam.
The release of excess water from the dam, managed by the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) is part of an annual process to manage dam levels during the rainy season.
Residents of Isheri Riverview Estate and the neighbourhoods of Warewa and OPIC in Obafemi Owode Local government Area were last year sacked by flooding following a water surge induced by the release of excess water from the dam.
To avoid a repeat of this, both the Lagos and Ogun State governments have advised communities in low-lying areas to take necessary precautions, including relocating to safer ground, as the water could cause rivers to overflow, leading to severe flooding.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said that the Federal government has commenced the dredging of rivers along the corridor of the dam to avoid devastating flooding incidents such as the one that occurred in Maiduguri.
“We have done the advocacy, we have told people to leave the low line areas. We are collaborating with the Ogun State government on how we can mitigate the impact of the release.
“Those staying on the low line areas have to leave, particularly those at Ajilete and other areas around Owode-Onirin because we saw what happened in Maiduguri. It will be child’s play,” he added.
