In a bid to make state flood free in 2017, the State Government of Osun says it has completed the dredging of a combined 123km of waterways and canals in the state.

Speaking over the weekend, an aide to the governor who is also the former Special Adviser on Environment, Mr. Bola Ilori, revealed that the state has made adequate preparation should the rain come pouring in high proportions like it did last year.

“Governor Rauf Aregbesola holds every life as sacrosanct and would do anything to prevent the loss of lives and properties. The governor made a commitment to prepare for flood disasters and avoid future occurrence when it happened in 2016, and in fulfilment of that promise, I’m happy to announce to you that the state has concluded the dredging of 123km of waterways in the state.”

It was noted that the 123 kilometres of waterways and canals was cleared to pave way for free flow of water in Osogbo, Edun Abon and other flood-prone areas across the state.

It was also revealed that about 2.5 million tree seedlings of various species have been given to citizens free-of-charge to encourage tree planting and prevent erosion.

Ilori further revealed the achievements of the present administration to include over 3,500 jobs created through public private partnership in waste management, the deployment of 61 roll-on roll-off refuse trucks and 31 mini trucks for refuse collection.

Ilori noted that the state has put in place, plans to convert wastes generated in the state into biogas.

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