By Yemi Olakitan
A water surge caused by the release of extra water from the Oyan River Dam has forced some residents, shopkeepers, and other businesses off the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway corridors.
The majority of those impacted live in estates such as Isheri Riverview and other neighbourhoods close to the OPIC area in Warewa.
According to reports, the state’s Abeokuta North Local Government Area’s dam, which is controlled by the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority, discharged extra water this month.
Around OPIC, some employees of a block manufacturing company complained that the water made it difficult for them to work because there was nowhere to rest their feet.
The frontage and grounds of the Mikano firm besides the highway were inundated. The water encircled the facility, making it impossible to approach it in order to speak with the staff.
While one or two people could be seen in the inclosure from a distance, other bystanders reported that business operations were impacted.
In the meantime, Dapo Abiodun, the state governor, on Monday proclaimed an emergency in the flooded area and promised citizens prompt assistance.
After seeing the flooded neighbourhood, the governor met with the media and stated that his administration is coordinating with the federal government to handle the situation as an emergency case.
The governor declared, “We will give priority to these projects because I am moved by what I have observed. I’ll make sure that as soon as we intensify this, we start to notice signs of relief. The Environment Minister of State is already informed. Both the President and the Vice President are already informed. We are taking it as an emergency, and it will be treated as such.”
“In case of an emergency, I’d like to handle it myself. We appreciate your patience as we carry out a thorough assessment of what has to be done to make this location inhabitable.”
Abiodun addressed the inhabitants of Riverview Estate and explained that he had asked for a survey of the area to identify any pressing issues that need immediate attention.
He promised that the intervention would be made by building an elevated road with sufficient drainage to lessen their pain.
The governor called the area surrounding the Kara cattle market an ugly and unworthy of the aspirations for a “new Ogun State.”
According to him, the market was incompatible with human habitation, the Sustainable Development Goals, and garbage disposal.