By Patrick Ahanor
Benin City
A Benin City-based lawyer and human rights advocate, Olayiwola Afolabi, has put forward “a simple and workable suggestion” to assist the Edo government’s effort to tackle perennial flooding in the state.
The suggestion was contained in a letter his chamber, Afolabi Olayiwola & Co., wrote to Governor Godwin Obaseki.
In the letter which had been acknowledged by the government, Afolabi commended the governor for “his wisdom and sagacity in handling vital and problematic issues bothering on the development of Edo state.”
Afolabi also urged Obaseki to continue with the development strides of ex-Governor Adams Oshiomhole by making transparency, accountability and stewardship the watchwords of his administration.
The letter read in part: “You have been a blessing to us and the Edo people who voted you into power can now see that you are working towards the progress of Edo state.
“We truly appreciate the manner you are piloting the affairs of the state with specific examples of an on-going revolution in the state.”
Afolabi, therefore, suggested what the state government needs to do without spending too much in a recessive economy to put an end to the severe flooding of Benin City and other parts of Edo state.
“We would also like to suggest that your office gives a directive to every landlord in Edo state to construct a gutter in front of his or her house to serve as drainage to the main drainage system already provided by the state government.
“This can go a long in assisting the government of Edo state in the expedient pursuit of its goal on the provision of good roads and proper drainage system for erosion, especially during the rainy season.”