The Ogun State Government has embarked on a flood and erosion control intervention exercise to prevent the loss of lives and properties in the state.

In a statement on Sunday, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Flood and Erosion Control, Femi Akinwunmi, said the exercise involves the dredging of river and stream courses as well as the desilting of drainage channels statewide.

Akinwunmi stated that the exercise, which commenced in various parts of the state days ago, is complementing its annual flood mitigation efforts in various parts of the state.

He said the rivers and streams undergoing dredging to avert river flooding in the state include the Opa-Aro River in Isheri, Ifo Local Government Area; Oke Afa Stream in Magboro, Obafemi Owode LGA; Giyanu Stream in Ilase, Ipokia LGA;  Sokori River and its tributaries and Labaiwa stream in Abeokuta North and South LGAs.

He said it will soon be the turn of Onibuku Stream in Iju in Ado Odo LGA, Odo Funfun River in Oja Odan in Yewa North LGA, Sensen River in Sagamu LGA and Yemule River in Ijebu -Ode LGA among others lined up to be dredged soon.

Aside from the dredging, Akinwunmi said the state government has also commenced massive desilting of drainage channels across the state, notably in the state capital, Abeokuta, Sango-Ota, Ijebu-ode and Ilishan, with other cities and towns also slated for desilting soon.

He said, “The dredging of these rivers and streams and desilting of the drainage channels are meant to improve their water-carrying capacities through the removal of sand as well as free them from refuse dumped indiscriminately into them, which inhibits the free flow of rainwater that brings about backflows that results into flooding and its unpalatable consequences.

“As a responsible government that cares for the well-being of its residents, the administration had no choice but to take on this responsibility to avert predicted river flooding in the state this year and free its residents from any of its consequences as rainy season should be a blessing to the people and a curse.

“We, therefore, appeal to residents of the state to play their part by desilting all drainage channels in front of their businesses and houses while those in the habit of dumping waste or refuse into these drainages whenever it rains desist as the long hands of the law will soon catch up with them. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.”

He also warned traders in markets and streets who placed planks and makeshift structures on top of drainage channels to remove them forthwith to avoid violating the state environmental laws, which might lead to possible prosecution.