By Charles Maduka
As the rainy season begins, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged Community Development Associations (CDAs) and landlords to clear drainages in their areas to prevent flooding.
Mr. Kadiri Olanrewaju, NEMA’s Head of Operations in Ibadan, emphasized the importance of preparing for the heavy rains. He called on waste disposal agencies, both local and state, to act quickly in clearing debris from drainage systems, river channels, and canals.
“We are at the start of the rainy season, and it is essential for CDAs and landlords’ associations to take action in their meetings and ensure drainages are cleared,” Olanrewaju said. He also warned against building structures on riverbeds, which can block the flow of water and worsen flooding.
Olanrewaju stressed that addressing these issues early could help reduce the impact of floods, potentially saving lives and property. “It is better to use this time to prepare for the rainy season and prevent unnecessary flooding,” he added.
Mrs. Margaret Adebukola, the National Coordinator of the Whole Planet Initiative, echoed Olanrewaju’s call for responsibility in maintaining drainage systems. As a climate activist, she also advised people living in flood-prone areas to pay attention to weather forecasts and experts’ warnings about seasonal floods.
“Water has no regard for anyone and will always find its way,” Adebukola warned. She encouraged people in flood-prone areas to evacuate their homes if heavy rains are expected, prioritizing their safety over material possessions.
In Ibadan’s Oluyole Local Government Area, Mr. Adeyemi Ojo, a CDA executive, called for more public education on the issue. He urged the government, corporate organizations, and NGOs to fund awareness campaigns on the importance of clearing drainage systems and the dangers of building structures in flood paths. Ojo also stressed the need for strict law enforcement to prevent construction on water paths to protect lives and property.
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