Nigeria’s Oyo state government has assured residents of the state affected by flood during the heavy rainfall on Sunday of a quick intervention and provision of necessary palliative measures.
This was stated in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, on Monday following an inspection tour by a team from the state ministries of works, environment, the Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project, IUFMP, the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA and the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, to assess the sites of the collapsed bridges and roads at Olodo Garage, Ido and Akinyele in Ibadan.
Speaking on behalf of the state government, the team leader and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Mrs. Modupe Adeleye, sympathised with the victims of the flood.
She said that the government is aware of their plight and would take speedy action to bring succour to the people.
“It is really pathetic actually, it is sad what we are seeing here this morning.
“There are palliatives that the government will put in place for now to allay the fears of the people. So, the team went round to look for alternative routes because this place (Olodo Bridge) needs to be shut down for now to prevent loss of lives and properties, because it is a very risky zone.” She said.
“The suggestion now is that we should shut down and look for alternative routes for people to do their businesses and so far, the best route that we found is about five (5) kilometers. It spans from Wofun Junction through Kute to Olodo Bank. That will be the alternative route where the government will take a palliative measure for now.”
Adeleye appealed to the residents to cooperate with the government, stating that the government will expedite action both on the ongoing construction works and the palliative on the alternative routes.
She added that the State Emergency Management Agency will soon embark on enumeration of houses wrecked by the flood.
Adeleye, who advised residents of the state to move away from flooded areas and stop building houses on setbacks and river banks, stressed that defiance to the warning poses dangers to their lives and property.
