Ekiti State Allocates ₦88.3 Million To Combat Flooding In High-risk Areas

Ekiti State Allocates ₦88.3 Million To Combat Flooding In High-risk Areas

In a proactive move to address potential flooding risks, the government of Ekiti State, under Governor Biodun Oyebanji, has allocated ₦88.3 million to support dredging activities in high-risk zones across the state. This allocation is aimed at preventing flooding and safeguarding lives and property…..READ ALSO Ekiti State Government Calls For Peace And Unity Amid Rising Land Disputes

The decision comes shortly after the Federal Government’s warning that 31 states, including Ekiti, were at risk of severe flooding in the upcoming rainy season. The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, highlighted the high-risk flood zones across these states during the official presentation of the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) in Abuja.

According to Taiwo Olatunbosun, the Commissioner for Information and Value Orientation in Ekiti State, the government had already initiated dredging activities in major river courses back in January 2023. However, due to unforeseen challenges such as hyperinflation and currency devaluation, the funds allocated for the project became insufficient to complete the task effectively.

Olatunbosun explained that the rise in costs of essential components like diesel, petrol, spare parts, and transportation, coupled with currency devaluation, impacted the project’s progress. Consequently, the government has reallocated funds to ensure the completion of the dredging project, particularly in critical areas prone to flash floods and high-risk flood canals and rivers, notably in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

The dredging exercise, which will be conducted through direct labor, is expected to be completed within three months. This proactive measure demonstrates the state government’s commitment to mitigating the impact of potential flooding and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.

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