The Ekiti State Government has advised people living in buildings on waterways and river banks to vacate such places immediately to prevent loss of lives and properties that may arise from flooding.
Governor Ayodele Fayose gave the directive when he visited some flooded areas in Ikere-Ekiti in company with some top officials including the Commissioner for Environment, Chief Bisi Kolawole.
A statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, in Ado-Ekiti, the capital, on Friday said the state government would not hesitate to pull down any structure obstructing the free flow of water.
The governor lamented that despite the proactive steps taken by the administration by dredging rivers, streams and water ways across major towns early this year, some people still deliberately blocked drainage channels with refuse.
“We have spent so much money this year on the dredging of rivers and streams in major towns in the state. In fact, we covered about 50 kilometres before the heavy rains set in.
“But unfortunately, some people are still recalcitrant and would not stop dumping refuse in unauthorised places. That must stop. We are playing our own role as a government and the people must also play their roles.
“We are concerned about the development of our state and the welfare of our people. Those living close to river banks should move out immediately. We cannot continue to sustain disobedience in the land. All houses and structures on water ways will be removed. You have to save your own lives and we won’t fold our arms and allow lives and properties to be lost needlessly,” he said.
(Punch)
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