Adeleke orders assessment of communities ravaged by flood

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed the state’s Special Task Force on Environmental Sanitation to assess communities affected by recent flooding and prepare a response plan as floodwaters ravage homes, businesses and other properties across the state.

The directive followed days of heavy rainfall that caused flooding in several parts of Osun, with Osogbo, the state capital, among the worst-affected areas.

About 1,000 households have been reportedly affected by flooding, causing residents’ displacement for alternative shelter. Most affected areas include Ijetu, Isale Osun and Oke Osun areas of Osogbo where residential buildings, hotels, schools and business premises were submerged.

Reacting to the situation on X, Mr Adeleke said his administration was concerned about the effect of the flooding on residents’ homes, businesses and livelihoods.

The governor said he had directed the Special Task Force on Environmental Sanitation, led by Elder Aina, to visit affected areas, assess the environmental conditions contributing to the flooding and prepare a response plan.

“My administration has already undertaken initial dredging and drainage interventions to improve water flow and reduce flooding. We will take further necessary measures to protect lives, property and communities,” Mr Adeleke said.

The governor said the state had experienced excessive rainfall in recent weeks, putting additional pressure on drainage channels and waterways.

He also urged residents to support government efforts by keeping their surroundings clean and avoiding activities that obstruct the flow of water.

Mr Adeleke specifically urged residents to stop dumping refuse on waterways and roadside drains and to desist from building on natural water channels and flood-prone corridors.

He also asked residents to report flooding incidents, blocked drainage channels and other environmental hazards to the appropriate authorities.

The governor said government interventions alone could not sufficiently address flooding if human activities continued to obstruct waterways.

Osun inaugurates environmental taskforce

The state government had on Tuesday inaugurated the Special Task Force on Environmental Sanitation led by Mr Aina, with a mandate to strengthen enforcement of environmental laws and tackle indiscriminate disposal of waste in drains and other areas capable of creating environmental hazards.

The task force has since visited parts of Osogbo and Ikirun for sensitisation and advocacy, while identifying blocked drainage systems and refuse heaps for urgent attention.

Mr Adeleke said the government would take further measures where necessary to protect lives, property and communities as the state responds to the latest flooding.