Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev has acknowledged the challenges faced by the people of Isheri in Ogun State promising that the federal government will do all within its powers to address the challenges comprehensively.
Utsev, gave the assurance during his familiarization visit to Ogun /Osun River Basin Development Authority recently, this is even as he acknowledged that the recent flooding has had a devastating impact on this community.
A statement by the Head, Press and Public Relations Unit, Mrs Funmi Imuetinyan, the minister 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 started, “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 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.
