Ekiti State Government has commenced the second phase of desiltation of water ways, culverts and access slabs in 13 communities within Ado-Ekiti, the State Capital.
The State Commissioner for Environment, Chief (Mrs.) Tosin Aluko, who made this known during the official flag off of the segment of the project, explained that the programme was a proactive approach to counter possible flood occurrences following separate flood alerts issued by Nigerian Metrologic Agency (NIMET) and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to the State Government in January and May this year which placed Ado-Ekiti on high risk of cities/towns that may likely be affected by the predicted flood.
Chief Aluko recalled that Governor Biodun Oyebanji had in January this year approved a sum of N226 million naira for the dredging of eight river courses and desiltation of waterways as well as culverts in 26 communities to avert the forecasted massive flooding and its possible disastrous effect on the State Capital.
According to the Commissioner, the first phase of the project was implemented in 13 communities within the State Capital while the second phase would cover another 13 critical areas prone to flooding beginning from the Police Station at the New Iyin Road to the State Secretariat Complex, Basiri Sawmill to the State Police Headquarters, Mojere Market/Crown Biz, Christ’s School Shopping Complex/Nova Junction, Oro Apata/Tetra Abey Petrol Station, Lino Supermarket/School of Nursing and Tolu Packad/Fajuyi Park.
Other communities where the disiltation would cover include Dallimore Junction /Stadium Okutagbokutaleri, St Patrick’s/Fayose Market, Mobil Junction/Waterworks, Ojumose /Aremu/Okeoriomi /,Isato Roundabout/Odo Ado/Ureje /Poly Road and Nova Junction/Adebayo Junction.
Reiterating commitment of the present administration to the safety of lives and property of people in the State, Aluko assured that no stone would be left unturned in the effort to protect residents from flooding and similar natural disasters.
She added that the Governor had also directed that capable unemployed youths in the State should be engaged in the disiltation project in line with the shared prosperity and wealth creation agenda of the Oyebanji Administration.
Aluko also urged all stakeholders to support the efforts of Government to guarantee their safety and improve their lots stressing the need for the youths employed to carry out the disilting assignment to do a thorough job in order to achieve the desired goal.