Heavy rainfall experienced across Osun State has led to flooding in various communities, prompting residents to urge the state government to take immediate action to prevent further loss of valuables. The rainfall, which occurred between Friday and Monday, resulted in flooding in communities within the Osogbo metropolis, including Ayekale, Famson Area, Oke Baale, Sasa, and Ilesa Garage. Several areas, including Muroko Road, Ilesa, experienced flooding due to the overflow of the Ora River.
The bridge linking Ijaaregbe town to Ilesa was damaged, cutting off the community from the city centre after several hours of rainfall on Monday. Apart from Ijaaregbe, other communities, including Ijana, Ibala, Ayegunle, Idooko, and Eesun Ijesa, also experienced flooding, which impeded the movement of goods and services. Residents of the affected areas have expressed concerns over the situation, with some recounting losses due to the flooding.
Akin Olugbodi and Shekinat Olaegbe, residents of the Ayekale area in Osogbo, reported losing property to flooding that ravaged their area after heavy rain last Friday. Olaegbe, a widow, stated that the water channel in their area is blocked, and a few hours of rain made the water overflow its boundary. She expressed fear of another flooding at any moment, emphasizing the need for the government to act quickly.
The Olomu of Ijaaregbe, Oba Edward Adetimo, confirmed that the bridge linking his community to Ilesa had been damaged after heavy rain. He stated that the collapse of the bridge was caused by the heavy downpour at midnight and that the House of Assembly member representing Obokun State Constituency, Hon. Adewumi Adeyemi, and others visited to assess the situation. They assured the community that officials from the Ministry of Works would provide a temporary fix pending full reconstruction.
When contacted for reaction, the Osun State Commissioner for Environment, Mayowa Adejoorin, stated that the state government had earlier taken measures to prevent flooding in the state. Adejoorin noted that the menace of flooding is a seasonal occurrence globally each time there is heavy and continuous rainfall. However, he attributed the relative control of flooding in Osun State to the proactiveness of the state government.
Adejoorin mentioned that the supervisory Ministry of Environment and Sanitation, Osun State, always embarks on preventive measures that will mitigate against the negative impacts of flooding before the commencement of annual rainfall. These measures include dredging of waterways to allow easy passage of water, awareness, and sensitization campaigns against indiscriminate dumping of refuse across or along waterways.
The Commissioner further stated that the recent flooding and collapse of the bridge and box culvert that linked Ilesa with neighbouring and adjoining communities was more of the physical responsibility of the Ministry of Works, and he was aware that they had swung into action immediately. The government has assured the affected communities of its commitment to providing a lasting solution to the flooding problem.
Key points
- The Osun state government has pledged to take action to prevent further flooding in the affected communities.
- The flooding has caused significant damage to property and infrastructure, including the bridge linking Ijaaregbe town to Ilesa.
- The state government has attributed the relative control of flooding in Osun State to its proactive measures, including dredging of waterways and awareness campaigns.
