Ondo Intensifies Flood Control Drive, Moves Against Faulty Culverts and Illegal Structures
The Ondo State Government has stepped up flood control measures in Ondo town and Akure, identifying defective culverts, blocked drainage channels and illegal construction on waterways as major causes of recurring flooding.
The renewed intervention was disclosed during an inspection tour led by the Technical Assistant to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on Erosion Control and Flood-related Matters, Engr. Elisha Ebijimi. He said the state had returned to critical flood-prone locations to sustain works initiated last year.
Ebijimi said the action followed directives from Governor Aiyedatiwa to protect residents and property as the rainy season approaches its peak.
“We have made adequate preparations to mitigate flooding,” he said, adding that no flood incidents had been recorded this year despite early rains. He also noted that the state’s efforts had earned it recognition for preparedness in flood management.
Defective Infrastructure, Blocked Drains
At the Isikan axis in Ondo town, Ebijimi attributed persistent flooding to a wrongly positioned culvert, which he said was constructed too high and improperly aligned on the right side of a drainage channel.
He further observed that refuse dumped by residents and road users had clogged the channel, obstructing the free flow of water. He assured that corrective work at the location would begin before the end of March.
According to him, amphibious excavation machines have already been deployed across the state, with one stationed in Ondo town and another in Odigbo Local Government Area.
“Last year, we deployed the two machines to Akure South, and this year again, we are going to deploy the amphibious machines to Akure South,” he said.
Illegal Construction on Waterways
The Director of Environment in Ondo West Local Government, Mrs. Stella Akinsanmi, said illegal construction on waterways remains a significant factor contributing to flooding.
She explained that structures have been erected directly on natural water channels, particularly around Fagun, thereby restricting water flow. According to her, the local government has intensified sensitisation visits to educate residents on maintaining appropriate setbacks from drainage corridors.
Community Concerns
Residents who spoke during the inspection described flooding as a recurring challenge in the affected areas.
Prophet Olabode Johnson described the intervention as timely, recalling that flooding two years ago caused extensive property damage.
Tosin Iluyomade, a commercial motorcyclist, welcomed the channelisation works in Ondo town and described Governor Aiyedatiwa as a “talk-and-do” leader.
However, he urged the government to extend interventions to the Mother and Child area, which he said remains vulnerable.
In Akure, Barrister Stephen Ejidike said government officials had visited the community twice following reports submitted through the Special Assistant. He noted that a nearby filling station worsened flooding, with water seeping beneath surrounding buildings, including his law chamber.
Comrade Taiwo Lawrence Fayan called for expanded drainage infrastructure, describing the first rainfall of the year as “extremely bad, terrible and tactically suicidal.” He urged stricter enforcement against indiscriminate waste dumping and recommended the construction of a wider central drainage system.
The inspection tour covered Fagun and Valentino in Ondo town, as well as Ondo Road and Oyemekun Road in Akure. Authorities say further interventions will be carried out in identified flood-prone communities.
