As parts of measures to forestal the occurrence of flooding in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, the Kwara Road Maintenance Agency (KWARMA) has commenced the opening and evacuation of blockages in drainages within the metropolis.
This development came just as the government embarked on construction of new drainages on the roads in the flood-prone areas of the state capital.
Ejiba Road, off Stadium Road, and Muyideen College Road, off Sango Road, are two of the communities where new drainages are being constructed.
The National Meteorology office had about two months ago alerted the state government of the possibility of heavy rainfall in the state which could result in flooding of the riverine communities in the state.
Consequently, the state government through the Ministry of Environment also directed riverine communities in Asa, Patigi and Moro local government areas of the state to vacate areas that are prone to flooding to ensure safety of lives and property. The same warning was issued to Ilorin residents living along the bank of Asa River.
This was closely followed by a sensitisation and awareness programme on “Flood Early Warnings and Mitigation”, organised for the people of the state by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
The seminar, which was organised in collaboration with the Kwara State Emergency and Relief Services office took place in Afon, Asa Local Government Area.
The decision of KWARMA to embark on the opening and evacuation of blocked drainages in Ilorin metropolis, according to its General Manager, Engr. Usman Baba, “is to forestal flood”.
He said the state government was being proactive in ensuring the safety of lives and property of the people of the state.
Baba, who recalled that meteorologists have predicted that there would be heavy downpour this year, stressed that, “all drainages in the major streets in Ilorin will be de-silted and we will cart away the sand so that it will not fall back on it.”
He added that, “the precautionary measure is to avoid flood, because the present administration is very responsible and responsive”.
The KWARMA’s boss disclosed that the agency has done over 40 per cent of the roads in that category, assuring that every part of the state capital would be covered soon.
Baba warned residents against indiscriminate dumping of refuse, advising them to request for Roro dust-bin where there was none at the moment. He reminded them that the task of keeping the state clean and tidy was the duty of all.
Meanwhile, residents of Ejiba Road now have cause to smile, as the government has embarked on the construction of drainages on the road, notorious for flooding during rainy seasons.
The contractor handling the road project, obviously after mobilisation, has commenced work on the site.
The drainage project which cuts across, Oro Road down to Stadium and Ejiba roads has reached an advanced stage.
The elated residents of the area, who recalled their ordeals during the past rainy seasons, praised the state Governor, Alh. AbdulFatah Ahmed, for coming to their aid.
One of the residents, who spoke with LEADERSHIP SUNDAY, recalled her ugly experience in the past years when she lost all her belongings to flood.
The engineers working on the drainage assured both the residents of the area and the government of a quality job and timely completion of the project.