Ondo: Oguntodu leads Govt representatives to Oke Iya community, seek lasting solution to flood issue

The visitation was made in tandem with the hope of providing a lasting solution to the menace of flood, which has been a pertinent problem ravaging the community. The government representatives included, Hon. Commissioner for Environment, Mr Sunday Akinwalere and Chairman, House Committee on Environment, ODHA, Hon. Agbulu Temitope, a member representing Akoko South-west Constituency 2.

The residents of Oke-Iya who couldn’t hide their joy for the intervention visit came out in their numbers to welcome the visitors and also gave details of their ordeals. A community leader representing the community, Mr Olaoye Oyeyemi appreciated the honourable representing the constituency at the ODHA, Hon. Oguntodu for his promptness and promise fulfilled.

According to the community leader, Oguntodu promised to alert key stakeholders involved so they could visit the scene the same day they were in his office and he made it happen. He defined the community which has eleven zones as one of the biggest. In his words:

“Ofosu river in our community is a collection of water from Onimalu, Abusoro, Dafog, Oke-Obere and when there is downpour, the bridge got filled to the brim and for that period, we find it difficult to engage in any activity, no one can go out and people outside will be stalked.”

“The farmers can no longer plant, livestock farmers are no longer investing and business are now on hold in the community because of the fear of shortage. This river had swept human being on one of the occasions of heavy downpour”

“We are appealing to the Ondo state government to come to our rescue and intervene in our matters. expansion of the water ways to aid proper channelization of water and reconstruction of the damaged bridges will give the menace a lasting solution.”

Hon. Oguntodu while addressing the press, appreciated government representatives present and commended the people of Oke-Iya community for the orderliness employed in marshalling their problems and needs. 

“Today’s visit is in fulfillment of the promise I made to the people of Oke Iya community before the election that I will come back. Now, I haven’t come alone but in the company of the Hon. Commissioner of Environment and my colleague The Chairman, Ondo state house committee on environment.”

“Government is trying but there is need for more intervention and exigencies must take prominence in some areas. Proper disposal of waste products by our people will solve a huge percentage of the problem of floods. When the water channels are blocked, the erosion finds another means of liberation and the effect of this can be devastating.”

“It is part of my duties to facilitate monumental projects that will put a smile on the face of my constituents and I believe the government won’t just stop at this visit but make sure this problem is given attention needed.” Hon. Oguntodu stated.

Hon. Agbulu Temitope, the chairman, House Committee on Environment lamented the level of damage the flood had caused and promised that with the collaboration of the executive and legislative arm, urgent steps will be taken within a short period of time.

The Hon. Commissioner for Environment, Mr Sunday Akinwalere in his remark, appreciated both honorables and the residents. He re-emphasized the dedication of the Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu administration to better the lots of the state. He gave records of the achievement of the administration in battling the flood menace across the state and promised that Oke-Iya case won’t be an exception by assuring the residents that the Ofosu river will be listed for urgent intervention by the government.

Peoplesmind