Water and sanitation ministry to collaborate with stakeholders on Isheri flooding
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has acknowledged the challenges faced by the people of Isheri in Ogun State during his familiarization visit to Ogun Osun River Basin Development Authority on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.
Prof. Utsev noted that the recent flooding has had a devastating impact on this community and informed that the Federal Government is committed to addressing the challenges comprehensively.
He also revealed that the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation will actively collaborate with other relevant Ministries and Authorities, including States of Ogun and Lagos, to find effective solutions to the challenges posed by flooding.
The Minister explained that climate change has significantly altered the historical data relating to hydrology and emphasized the need to reevaluate the hydrological conditions at the Oyan Dam site. This re-evaluation according to him, will inform the review of the Standard Operating Procedures for the Oyan Dam.
Prof. Utsev stated, “In the light of these challenges, my immediate recommendation is to establish a Joint Technical Assessment Committee, consisting of representatives from the Federal government, State governments, and the affected Community. This committee will work together to assess the situation thoroughly in a transparent manner and develop sustainable solutions.”
He reiterated that an Inter-Ministerial Committee had earlier submitted a comprehensive report on flood management in the entire country, including Ogun State and the report serves as a broad foundation for efforts to mitigate the impact of flooding in the country.
The Water and Sanitation Minister extended his heartfelt sympathy to the victims of the recent floods and gave an assurance of commitment to finding solutions to the challenges faced by the community of Isheri and other affected areas.
