The Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) in Oyo State has commenced the implementation of its oriented programmes to tackle the menace of erosion and other environmental disaster under the World Bank Assisted project in the state.
While holding meetings with community leaders and stakeholders in various benefiting communities in the state, the Project Coordinator of OYO NEWMAP, Engr. Omowunmi Yakub, said the state government has graciously approved the commencement of desilting and clearing of waterways in all the mapped sites in the seven local government areas.
Yakub explained that work would commence immediately on the already mapped erosion sites to reduce resident’s vulnerability to flooding, which underscores the essence of the meeting.
“We need to engage the communities and stakeholders where the projects will be carried out as well as seek for their cooperation for effective implementation, maintenance and sustainability,” he said.
The Project Coordinator implored residents of various benefiting communities to cooperate with contractors handling the project in their areas to ensure that the work is carried out within the stipulated time frame without any interference from any quarter.
Yakub revealed that the seven erosion sites include Olusoji/ Alaro stream, Oluyole, in Ibada South West Local Government; Ahoyaya stream, Olodo, Egbeda Local Government; Ologogoro/Oremoje, Iseyin Local Government; Orogun stream, Saki West Local Government; Isale Alaafin High School, Oyo, Atiba Local Government; Iwagba/Agbonyin stream, Ogbomoso North Local Government and Aborerin stream, Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government.
He emphasised that Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration is committed to tackling the issue of flooding in the state to alleviate the suffering of the people, adding that his the governor’s vision is to put in place measures that would mitigate the manace of erosion and other natural disasters.
“He is a man of his words and that is why you see him fulfilling all his election campaign promises to the people of Oyo State. His administration will not relent in its efforts to improve the livelihood of the citizenry in the state,” Yakub said.
He urged the benefiting communities to desist from construction of structures and dumping of refuse into waterways to prevent flooding.
In their separate responses, all the chairmen of benefiting local government Alareas commended Makinde for his determination to tackle erosion problems in the state, pledging their support for effective implementation of the erosion control project in their respect local government areas.
The community leaders and residents of the erosion prone areas appreciated the present administration for the gesture while they also prayed for the success of the administration.
