The Oyo State Government has begun the final inspection of selected communities ahead of the commencement of construction works under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project supported by the European Investment Bank (NEWMAP-EIB).
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, disclosed this during an inspection tour of Ebu Angelu in Oyo (Atiba Local Government Area), Obananko/Cele in Oyo West Local Government Area, and Maje area in Oluyole Local Government Area.Aderinto explained that the visit marked the last stage of assessment before contractors move to site to begin the intervention projects aimed at tackling erosion and stormwater challenges in the affected communities.
He noted that the inspection followed several earlier visits carried out by officials of the ministry in collaboration with the NEWMAP-EIB team to evaluate environmental conditions and prepare the areas for the intervention.According to the commissioner, the planned construction works will address problems caused by poorly managed culverts and waterways, which have created physical barriers within some communities and disrupted movement, businesses and livelihoods.
He added that the intervention, supported by the European Investment Bank, is expected to reclaim lands affected by gully erosion, improve stormwater management and mitigate the impact of climate change in the affected areas.However, Aderinto raised concerns over environmental and planning violations noticed during the inspection, particularly the failure of some residents to adhere to approved building layouts.
He also condemned open defecation along waterways and riverbanks, describing the practice as unacceptable and a serious environmental health risk.The commissioner further decried indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainage channels and waterways, warning that such actions had contributed to the collapse of culverts and drainage systems in the past.
He cautioned that continued dumping of waste into waterways after the completion of the project could undermine the durability of the newly constructed infrastructure.Aderinto therefore urged residents of the affected communities to cooperate with the government by complying with building regulations, ending open defecation, providing proper sanitary facilities and adopting responsible waste management practices.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman of Atiba Local Government, Hon. Wahab Waliy Adetunji; Chairman of Oyo West Local Government, Hon. Salami Akeem Babatunde; and Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, noted that erosion and flooding have severely affected connectivity within their communities, disrupted economic activities and threatened livelihoods.
They also recalled that recurring flooding had led to loss of lives in some of the areas.
The council chairmen, however, expressed optimism that the planned construction works would provide a lasting solution to the challenges and pledged their support in ensuring residents comply with environmental regulations to sustain the project.
The commissioner was accompanied on the inspection by the Project Coordinator, Barr. Tayo Ayoade, and members of the Oyo State Project Management Unit of the NEWMAP-EIB initiative.
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