The Ogun State Government has allayed the fears of the residents of Isheri, Akute, Warewa, Abule Otun in Abeokuta and others residing in lowland areas of any impending flood as a result of release of excess water from the Oyan Dam.
The anxiety of the residents is against the backdrop of the flooding incidents recorded recently in parts of the country.
But giving the assurance during his visit to the dam in Abeokuta, the state Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya disclosed that the facility is operating at just 56 per cent of its water carriage capacity, hence, there is no excess water which could cause flooding in the flood-prone towns.
He said, “The dam is even looking at how to accommodate more water for irrigation as they are not even anxious about 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 added that flooding in the areas and at the Lagos border towns may be due to encroachment on river tributaries as well as from tidal lock arising from high rise in sea level which would have ripple effects on those towns because they are close to the lagoon.
He further advised residents of those towns to practice safe environmental practices, ensure that wastes are not disposed of in canals and avoid activities that can trigger a flood.
