Ondo Development Commission Acts Against Flooding With Waterway Cleanup And Hyacinth Removal

Ondo Development Commission Acts Against Flooding With Waterway Cleanup And Hyacinth Removal

To tackle flooding, improve navigation, and boost the ecosystem in Ilaje and Ese-Odo council areas of Ondo State, the State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has initiated a comprehensive clearing of waterways and removal of water hyacinths…….. CONTINUE READING 

The operation, overseen by OSOPADEC Secretary Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, is part of a broader initiative to enhance economic activities and ensure safety in these coastal regions.

Bayo-Ilawole highlighted that the cleanup is taking place across various locations including River Alape, River Oropo, Mahintedo, Igboegunrin, Imoluwa, and Itebu in Ilaje Local Government Area. In Ese-Odo LGA, the focus areas include Opugbene, Ogidigba, Ojodou, Lalatei, Fiyebrashintei, Kiribo, Sabomi, Igbekebo, and Igbotu.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa authorized the clearing of water hyacinths to support environmental protection and the well-being of coastal communities. The initiative aims to address the issues caused by the aquatic weed, which has obstructed waterways and disrupted economic activities.

Commencing on July 22, 2024, the exercise seeks to remove aquatic vegetation and debris that contribute to flooding and hinder navigation. The goal is to enhance the overall ecosystem and promote safer and more efficient water transport.

Bayo-Ilawole acknowledged the challenges posed by water hyacinths, especially during the rainy season, and stressed the importance of the clearing effort in preventing flooding and facilitating smooth water navigation.

Local leaders expressed gratitude for the state government’s intervention. The Oloja of Oke-Pare and Alape, Prince Adekunle Adeyemi, praised the timely action, noting improvements in fishing and navigation affected by the hyacinths.

Youth Leader Prince Taye Akinbuwa assured that local youths would fully support the clearing operation and emphasized the need for continued backing of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration to promote growth and environmental sustainability.

Additionally, OSOPADEC is set to address outstanding bursaries and scholarships for students from the mandate areas.