Flood Safety Summit Exposes Government Inaction: Safety Professionals Demand Answers
In a recent stakeholder’s meeting convened by the Ogun State government in collaboration with federal counterparts, promises of pragmatic actions to tackle the perennial issue of flooding in Isheri and surrounding areas were voiced.
Led by the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, and attended by various community representatives, the gathering sought to address the pressing concerns of residents grappling with recurring flood disasters.
Amidst the optimistic rhetoric espoused by government officials, the true sentiment of safety professionals present at the meeting paints a contrasting picture.
Expressing skepticism and disillusionment, these professionals raised significant concerns regarding the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed flood control measures.
Central to their grievances is the lack of concrete timelines and action plans.
While government representatives spoke of strategic approaches and the allocation of resources, safety professionals remained unconvinced about the practicality of executing these plans within the remaining tenure of the current administration.
The skepticism extends to the attribution of flood issues solely to climate change and community encroachment on drainage systems.
Safety professionals contend that the unregulated release of water from the Oyan Dam during peak rainy seasons remains a critical factor exacerbating flooding in the region.
This nuanced perspective underscores the necessity for a comprehensive understanding of the root causes of flooding, beyond simplistic explanations.
Furthermore, the assurances provided by state government officials regarding the initiation of projects in April 2024 are met with cautious optimism.
While commitments to commence river desilting, drainage channelization, and road construction are welcomed, safety professionals stress the importance of tangible short-term, medium-term, and long-term measures.
They emphasize the need for transparency, accountability, and empathy from government authorities to effectively address the looming threat of future floods.
In light of the prevailing concerns voiced by safety professionals, it is evident that the meeting fell short of providing reassurance to residents grappling with the specter of flooding. The call for urgent and decisive action resonates loud and clear, echoing the sentiments of a community weary of empty promises and bureaucratic rhetoric.
As we stand on the precipice of yet another rainy season, the onus lies squarely on the shoulders of government officials to translate words into action.
Failure to heed this call risks repeating the mistakes of the past and perpetuating the cycle of devastation wrought by annual floods.
It is time for action, not just words, to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of those vulnerable to the ravages of nature’s wrath.
