The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has advised those residing in riverine communities in Lagos, Ogun to relocate immediately, warning that there could be heavy flooding occasioned by the release of water from the Oyan Dam by the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority
It also advised those travelling by waterways on the use of lifejackets in their own interest.
The agency also frowned at the attitude of some of the residents who have bluntly refused to use lifejackets, insisting that anyone seen travelling by waterways without wearing lifejackets would be arrested by the enforcement team.
NEMA’s territorial coordinator, Ibrahim Farinloye, in a WhatsApp message said the release of water from the dam which started in January has consistently been released throughout the year.
Farinloye said the last release which started on Monday, October 16, 2023, continued till Wednesday, October 18, 2023.
He said as a result of the latest release of water the emergency management agencies are in constant touch with the management of the Oyan Dam through the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority and that the authority has started reduction on the release of the Dam water from Thursday, October 19, 2023 noting that the safety of the Dam has to be achieved.
“One thing that we must know is that the volume of water as at the time of the current release was 2,274 MCM as against last year’s 1,410.1 MCM.
“Most of the vulnerable communities have been sensitized about the expected volume of water. We have been to Maidan, Agboyi, Agiliti and others which are low-lying communities along flowing areas.
“The Agency and other stakeholders have carried out regular assessments on the residents and they all prefer to relocate to stay with their relations or friends. They return daily to carry out their businesses in the communities.
“But disappointing is the refusal of some residents who have refused to comply with safety standards in the use of life safety jackets while using canoes for daily activities.
“We had carried out awareness and sensitization campaigns on the essence of life safety jackets but they have not been complying even with the current high volume of water. Current assessment of the situation has shown that the water levels have started receding in most communities” he added.
