Lagos State Government has advised residents living along the plains of Ogun River to relocate as a necessary precaution due to the commencement of seasonal water releases from the Oyan dam by the management of Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority.

Dr. Samuel Babatunde Adejare, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment, explained that controlled water releases from the dam was a pragmatic approach by the dam management to prevent overflow and possible integrity failure of the Oyan Dam which could endanger the lives and property of residents, especially those living along the plains of the Ogun River in Lagos.

The Commissioner, who disclosed this in a recent interview, stressed that the controlled release of water from the Oyan Dam was the outcome of the collaboration between the Lagos State Government and the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Authority to forestall a possible collapse of the dam.

“The controlled water releases have become expedient as a result of the weather forecast and the continuous heavy rainfall which is likely to resume later in the month”, he said.

He, therefore, advised those residing along plains of Ogun River in Lagos State such as Ajegunle, Owode-Onirin axis, Owode-Elede, Isheri North, Ogolonto, Irawo and environs to be extremely careful about their movements and take precautionary measures including vacating their residences temporarily.

He urged people in these areas not to hesitate to move to higher grounds once they notice a gradual accumulation of rising water, adding that there is a need for people to be aware of the inherent danger in the water release before it is carried out.

Adejare, however, emphasised that primary and secondary channels in the State were being maintained and dredged to contain flood related challenges that may occur during this rainy season.

The Commissioner assured that the State Government would continue to intensify efforts geared towards achieving zero tolerance on flooding in Lagos State.

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