The Oyo State Government has disclosed that it has dredged 11 rivers as part of proactive measures to address flooding during the rainy season in the state.
According to reports, the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency and the Nigeria Meteorological Agency have predicted that several states, including Oyo, will experience flooding this year.
A statement released by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Wednesday, revealed that the government announced during the Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday at the Secretariat, Agodi, in Ibadan.
He further mentioned that the Ministry of Environment has been directed to procure more compactor trucks to enhance refuse collection in the municipality.
Oyelade said, “To protect lives and property, the council approved the immediate dredging of 11 flood-prone rivers across the state, including those in Iseyin, Oyo, Ibadan, Igbo Ora, Ogbomoso, and others.”
The commissioner also stated that the council has approved the procurement of firefighting auxiliary and special equipment for the Oyo State Fire Service Agency to enhance firefighting, rescue operations, and protect firefighters from occupational hazards.
“Approval was also given for the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to procure compactor trucks to supplement efficiency in refuse collection. The approval for these three projects amounts to N690 million.”
