The Managing Director of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Dr Deji Ashiru, has cautioned residents of Isheri in the Ifo Local Government Area to stop blaming the Oyan Dam for their plight, and rather appreciate its efforts in controlling the influx of water.
Ashiru stated that without the dam, Isheri and some Abeokuta communities would not exist due to the high risk of flooding.
DAILY POST reports that the flood had sacked residents of Isheri, Arepo, Lafenwa, Warewa, and other adjoining areas along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway from their homes.
Commissioner for Environment Ola Oresanya had urged residents of areas affected by the recent release of water from Oyan Dam to relocate to higher ground.
Meanwhile, Ashiru, on Tuesday, during an engagement with community residents of Isheri, blamed the flooding on the presence of 52 ungated tributaries feeding into the downstream section of Ogun River, causing water levels to rise.
He clarified that the Oyan and Ogun rivers are transboundary, flowing from Port Novo in the Benin Republic and that rising water levels are frequently caused by rainfall in Port Novo rather than water flowing from the Oyan dam.
Ashiru stated that to control the water rush into Oyan Dam and avoid its collapse, the agency has been releasing approximately 17.4 million cubic meters of water every day for the last two months.
He said: “The reality is that without Oyan Dam, Isheri, situated on a flood plain, and parts of Abeokuta would have been submerged.
“The people of Isheri should consider Oyan Dam a blessing rather than criticising it. Without the dam managing the flow, Isheri and some Abeokuta communities would be at high risk.
” Oyan Dam was built to control flooding and erosion. I have repeatedly explained that the 52 ungated tributaries downstream of Oyan Dam are the major cause of the flooding we’re experiencing in Isheri.
“Now, the saving grace they have in Isheri is Oyan Dam because that’s the only dam that is gated and controls the water flow upstream. Both Oyan and Ogun Rivers are transboundary, entering Nigeria from Port Novo. Even without rainfall in Nigeria, heavy rain in Port Novo increases water levels.
“The dam controls this influx, unlike the 52 tributaries flowing freely downstream. Without Oyan Dam, Isheri might not exist as it does today, as the dam manages the upstream erosion and flooding.”
Ashiru proposed that to adequately manage the flooding issue, smaller dams might be needed to capture water from these tributaries.
The MD reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government, stressing that he had just received a letter from the Senate asking for a solution. He added that the Federal Government will start dredging the Ogun River next week as a temporary solution to expand its capacity to handle rising water levels.
Emmanuel Oluwayemi, a resident of the flooded area, responded by saying that the government should expect legal actions for failing to provide a conducive environment if the problem is not addressed.
Oluwayemi noted that after the flood subsided last year, he spent up to N8 million renovating his house, which he bought from the government.