The Ondo State Oil-Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has called on the residents of riverine communities in the state to assist the government in preventing floods.
The state is among those predicted to experience flooding this year.
OSOPADEC’s Secretary, Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole told the media in Akure, the state capital, on Saturday that the commission had begun clearing and removing invasive water hyacinths from the waterways in Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas as part of efforts to prevent blockages and flooding.
According to her, residents of the coastal communities and stakeholders need to cooperate with the clearing team to ensure a seamless and successful operation. She noted that the clearing had started last Monday.
“This initiative aims to enhance economic activities and ensure the safety of life and property in these areas. We are mindful that this is the rainy season and the season for water hyacinths on the waterways. This exercise aims to remove aquatic vegetation, debris, and other obstacles hindering the free flow of water, thereby preventing flooding, improving navigation, and enhancing the overall ecosystem in Ilaje and Ese-Odo.
“This effort is to mitigate the occasional damage to boat engines caused by this stubborn aquatic weed and to eliminate delays in travel time while promoting the use of water transport as a viable alternative that is safe, fast, and secure. We urge the residents of the coastal communities and stakeholders to cooperate with the clearing team to ensure a seamless and successful operation,” she said.
Bayo-Ilawole also noted that the water hyacinths had blocked waterways, affecting the economic productivity of rural dwellers. Hence, the clearing exercise aimed to remove aquatic vegetation, debris, and other obstacles to prevent flooding, improve navigation, and enhance the overall ecosystem in Ilaje and Ese-Odo.
In his remarks, a youth leader, Prince Taye Akinbuwa, assured OSOPADEC of massive cooperation from the youths to ensure the water hyacinths are removed from the waterways. He promised that the youths would fully support the commission’s team in ensuring a successful operation.
He also called for more support for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration to foster growth, prosperity, and environmental sustainability in the mandate areas.
