The Chairman of Okitipupa Local Government, Mr. Andrew Ogunsakin, has announced the commencement of the channelisation of major waterways across the council area as part of efforts to tackle persistent flooding and protect lives, property and critical infrastructure.
According to the executive chairman of Okitipupa local government area in a statement posted on his Facebook account stated that the exercise, which began on Monday, is aimed at restoring the free flow of water through blocked drainage channels and preventing flood-related disasters.
Speaking during an inspection of the ongoing exercise, the chairman said flooding remained a serious environmental challenge that required urgent and collective action.
He stressed that blocked drainage channels, illegal structures on waterways and indiscriminate waste disposal were major contributors to flooding in many communities.
“Flooding is not a challenge we can afford to ignore. Every blocked drainage channel, every structure erected on a waterway, and every act of indiscriminate waste disposal puts lives, homes, and livelihoods at risk.”
The chairman disclosed that he personally supervised the commencement of the channelisation project, describing it as part of the local government’s commitment to providing lasting solutions to flooding.
He appealed to residents to support the initiative by refraining from erecting structures on waterways and dumping refuse into drainage channels, noting that public cooperation was essential to achieving a cleaner and safer environment.
He also commended the Ondo State Ministry of Local Government Affairs and Chieftaincy, led by Hon. Amidu Takuro, and the Ondo State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, particularly the Director of Monitoring and Enforcement, Pl. Olufemi Akinsanmi, for their collaboration during the exercise.
The chairman equally acknowledged the Special Assistant to the Governor on Erosion Control, Mr. Elisha Ebimiji, for his commitment to the flood mitigation programme.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the chairman pledged that efforts to reopen blocked drainage channels, create new ones where necessary and enforce environmental regulations would continue across the local government.
He expressed confidence that the measures would significantly reduce flooding and help build a cleaner, safer and more flood-resilient Okitipupa.
