By Awyetu Asabe Hope
Residents of communities selected for intervention under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project–European Investment Bank (NEWMAP-EIB) in Oyo State have expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in the commencement of flood control works.
The affected communities include Obananko and Cele in Oyo West LGA, Ebu Angelu in Atiba LGA, Maje Stream in Oluyole LGA, Fedomu in Igbeti, Olorunsogo LGA, Aborerin in Eruwa, Ibarapa East LGA, and erosion-prone sites within Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.
The concerns were raised during an inspection of the proposed project sites by the Oyo State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU), led by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Ademola Aderinto.
In a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan, the Oyo State NEWMAP-EIB Communication Officer, Mrs. Bukola Bakare, said residents lamented that repeated flash floods had continued to expose them to danger, while years of site inspections had yet to translate into project execution.
According to the residents, overflowing streams and severe erosion are threatening homes, roads, businesses and farmlands, leaving communities vulnerable whenever heavy rainfall occurs.
They urged the Federal Government to fast-track the commencement of the intervention, describing the project as critical to protecting lives, restoring damaged infrastructure and preventing further environmental degradation.
Responding, Aderinto acknowledged the residents’ concerns, noting that the state government understood their frustration given the recurring flood disasters.
He said the Oyo State Government had fulfilled all conditions required for the project’s take-off, including the provision of counterpart funding and completion of all technical, environmental and social safeguard requirements.
The commissioner reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the project and pledged to continue engaging the Federal Government and development partners to accelerate implementation.
He appealed to residents to remain calm and continue supporting government efforts, assuring them that the NEWMAP-EIB intervention would improve stormwater management, reduce flooding, control erosion and strengthen climate resilience in vulnerable communities across the state.
