Oluyole Local Government in collaboration with the Oyo State Government through the ministry of Lands and Housing, has embarked on demolition of structures obstructing waterways in the council area.
Lamenting the threats posed, Olatunji who led LG officials to Akala Way, vacated destitute and street beggars in the area particularly under the recently commissioned bridge by Governor Seyi Makinde, and warned that returning to the place would not be tolerated saying criminal elements serving as informants for criminal activities have infiltrated them.
The demolition, carried out at Agara and Tipper Garage areas has subsequently culminated into free flow of traffic of human and vehicles as well as immediate reduction of flood in the affected areas.
The demolition, according to the Executive Chairman of Oluyole local government, Engineer Akeem Olatunji, was to put an end to recurring flooding and remove risks associated with it while enhancing safe and healthy environment for residents.
He said structures being demolished include shops, kiosks, and unauthorized developments along critical drainage paths and waterways. He warned those in the habit of converting public spaces for car to shops and kiosks erection should stop or face arrest and prosecution.
Olatunji disclosed that the move was to mitigate the impact of flooding in Oluyole, which he said has plagued the affected areas for many years, causing significant damage to public infrastructures and private properties.
Olatunji told newsmen shortly after the demolition and dredging of sand from blocked waterways exercise last week that the growing challenges of flooding and its spillover effects on cummuters, residents, and road infrastructures in the affected areas have been of serious concern for many years as it bothers on public safety and maintenance of public facilities.
The joint operation which began last week, with officials from Oluyole LG and the Oyo State Ministry of Lands identified key areas where encroachments have exacerbated the flooding situation.
The LG Chairman who warned against indiscriminate disposal of wastes said a team of taskforce was being set up for enforcement to effect arrest and prosecution of offenders.
Olatunji emphasized the importance of restoring natural water flow to prevent future flooding. “We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our people. This action is not only necessary for flood control but also for the preservation of our environment.
“I can tell you that the affected areas have been places of regular visit by officials of both the state and national emergency management agencies. This is because, the structures obstructing waterways and drainages were still standing.
“I can also tell you categorically that the spillover effects of the flooding almost every year have had serious impact on public infrastructures within the adjoining environment including Akala way as well as avoidable heavy traffic.
“Oluyole will not condone any act of indiscipline or nonchalance towards public infrastructures and facilities whereby some people believe they could do whatever they want and get away with it. Residents must strictly adhere to the rule of law in the state to maintain public peace and orderliness.
Residents affected by the flooding expressed mixed feelings about the demolitions. While most of the people supported the efforts to reduce flooding and ease free flow of traffic, affected shops and kiosks owners expressed concerns about the loss of their businesses.
While praising the Commissioner for Lands, Mr Williams Akin-Funmilayo, for his support and cooperation with Oluyole LG, Olatunji described his appointment by Governor Seyi Makinde as putting a round peg in a round hole.
Olatunji, who had earlier ordered immediate vacation from drainage paths and waterways, warned against violation of the order stressing that violators risk adequate punishments in line with provisions of relevant environmental laws.
He has also assured of providing temporary assistance to those affected by the demolition to enable make arrangements for better alternatives
Olatunji also pledged to continue monitoring the situation and implement further measures to enhance drainage and waterways systems while reiterating his administration’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by flooding, stating.
In his words, “We will not relent in our efforts to protect our communities from the effects of flooding which we all know can be devastating. We will not wait for damage beyond control to move to prevent such occurrence, so we solicit people’s support and cooperation at all time as their well-being remains sacrosanct at the center of all our policies and programs.
The Council boss equally called on residents to cooperate with authorities and report any illegal constructions that may hinder effective drainage and free flow of waterways while encouraging residents to participate in awareness campaigns on the importance of maintaining clear waterways and adhering to building regulations.