Oyan Dam To Open Floodgates: Urgent-Evacuation-Order-For-Residents-of-Affected-States

Oyan Dam To Open Floodgates: Urgent Evacuation Order For Residents of Affected States

By Wisdom Tide 

September 28, 2024

According to report from Punch Newspaper on Saturday, September 28, With the annual rainy season in full swing, authorities in Lagos and Ogun states are urging residents living in flood-prone areas to be prepared for potential flooding. This comes as the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) plans to release excess water from the Oyan dam. 

The dam’s water release, a routine practice to manage dam levels during the rainy season, has raised concerns after last year’s flooding incident. The surge in water levels caused significant damage in Isheri Riverview Estate and surrounding areas in Warewa and OPIC, forcing residents to evacuate their homes. 

To prevent a repeat of this situation, both Lagos and Ogun state governments have urged communities in low-lying areas to take necessary precautions. Residents have been advised to relocate to safer ground, as the water release could cause rivers to overflow, leading to flooding.

Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has emphasized the importance of leaving low-lying areas, particularly those around Ajilete and Owode-Onirin. He explained that the state government has collaborated with Ogun state and initiated dredging efforts along river corridors to mitigate flood risks. This information was reported by Punch Newspaper on Saturday, September 28.

While the OORBDA management has assured residents that the water release will not result in flooding, they have acknowledged that the volume of water released may increase if rainfall intensifies. The Head of the Public Relations department of OORBDA, Saliu Adeniyi, emphasized that the dam undergoes regular maintenance and monitoring, minimizing the risk of dam failure