Ondo State Government Begins Waterway Channelisation to Mitigate Flooding
In a swift response to the recent flooding recorded in parts of Ondo State, the State Government has commenced the channelisation and rehabilitation of critical drainage corridors and natural watercourses across affected communities, beginning from Ondo West Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Ayorinde Abiola Olawoye, FNSE, FNICE, led a team of engineers and technical experts to inspect affected locations and commence the exercise.
The intervention involves the clearing of drainage channels, removal of obstructions and accumulated debris, restoration of blocked watercourses, and the formation of defined channels to improve the hydraulic conveyance of stormwater and reduce the risk of overflow into adjoining communities.
Speaking during the commencement of the exercise, Engr. Olawoye commended Governor Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for directing immediate action following the flooding incident. He said the Governor’s directive goes beyond Ondo Town, covering other affected areas across the state where urgent drainage and flood-control interventions are required.
“Following yesterday’s flooding, Mr Governor directed that the affected waterways should be properly mapped and that immediate channelisation work should commence; not only in Ondo Town but also in other affected areas across the state. We are on ground today with the necessary machinery and technical personnel to begin the work and prevent further flooding,” the Commissioner stated.
Engr. Olawoye explained that the intervention is part of the Aiyedatiwa administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property through proactive infrastructure development and effective stormwater management. He noted that the proper channelisation and maintenance of waterways would enhance the free flow of runoff, minimise drainage congestion, and reduce the likelihood of floodwater overtopping its natural or engineered boundaries.
The Commissioner, who was joined by community leaders and other stakeholders, appealed to residents to desist from erecting structures, engaging in farming activities, or disposing of refuse within designated drainage setbacks, natural watercourses, gutters, and other stormwater channels. He stressed that encroachments and indiscriminate waste disposal restrict the hydraulic capacity of drainage systems, obstruct water flow, and significantly increase the risk of flooding.
He assured residents that the government would continue to deploy engineering expertise, appropriate equipment, and necessary resources toward improving drainage infrastructure and strengthening flood resilience across the state.
The technical team was received by the Chairman of Ondo East Local Government, Hon. Joshua Ogunduyile; the Vice Chairman of Ondo West Local Government, Alhaji (Hon.) Oluwole Bashiru; former member of the House of Representatives for Ondo West/Ondo East Federal Constituency, Hon. Joseph Akinlaja; APC chieftains; Hon. Jibayo Adeyeye, Hon. Akintunde Folajimi, and other community leaders.
