Posted on March 5, 2025
The Ogun State government has announced plans to create additional tributaries and outlets for the Ogun River across the wetland border towns of Isheri, Kara, Wawa, and Arepo to address persistent flooding and enhance livability in the affected areas.
The Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, disclosed this during a consultative meeting with residents of Ogun River Basin Communities at Riverview Estate, Isheri.
According to Oresanya, the project is set to commence next month in phases.
He acknowledged that it would impact some residents and buildings, hence, the need for community consultations before implementation.
Highlighting the state government’s previous flood control efforts, Oresanya noted that last year’s intervention—dredging of the Oparo River—helped reduce flood retention time from five to six weeks to just three weeks.
“We are working towards completing the dredging of the Oparo River all the way to Majidun in Ikorodu, which connects to the lagoon, along with other flood control measures,” he stated.
He urged residents to cooperate with the state government in ensuring the success of the dredging and the creation of additional tributaries, emphasising that these efforts would provide a lasting solution to flooding in the region.
The Chairman of the Ogun-Lagos River Basin Communities, Mr. Olanrewaju Akinde, expressed optimism following the meeting.
“This engagement has renewed our hope. We look forward to the state government’s interventions that will make our communities more habitable. Over time, the Ministry of Environment has proven to be committed and reliable in tackling the flooding challenges in this area,” Akinde said.
