In a bid to tackle the threats posed by climate change, the Ondo State Government has given the green light for a state-wide flood mapping initiative aimed at identifying and managing flood-prone areas across its territory.
The Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tob Loko, disclosed the development during a press briefing in Akure following the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Loko said the mapping exercise was part of the state’s forward-thinking approach to flood control and disaster mitigation, noting that the plan goes beyond identifying danger zones.
“We are not just identifying flood-prone zones; we are also investigating the underlying environmental and structural factors contributing to their vulnerability,” he said.
He further explained that alongside the preventive strategies, emergency support measures are being considered for residents who may be affected should unforeseen flooding occur.
“Perfection isn’t humanly possible. If any area is inadvertently missed during the mapping and later experiences flooding, we are considering emergency measures such as temporary relocation and distribution of relief materials,” Loko added.
He urged residents, particularly those living in flood-susceptible regions, to cooperate with the assessment teams as the implementation phase begins.
In a related development, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye announced the state’s approval of a N3.5 billion counterpart fund for the World Bank-supported Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).
Olawoye said the investment was a reflection of the current administration’s commitment to developing rural infrastructure and enhancing agricultural productivity.
As part of the project rollout, the Ministry of Infrastructure has been tasked with inspecting road networks across all 18 local government areas to pinpoint those in dire need of attention.
“As part of this process, engineers will conduct hydraulic designs to evaluate water flow and upgrade drainage systems. We appeal to our people for patience as we focus on building durable infrastructure, not temporary fixes,” Olawoye stated.
