Flood Victims Seek Urgent Federal Govt Action on Erosion Project

…As Oyo Govt assures communities of commitment as delays heighten flood risks

Residents of flood-prone communities earmarked for the Nigeria Climate Adaptation-Erosion and Watershed Project, NEWMAP-EIB, have appealed to the Federal Government to urgently commence the long-delayed erosion and flood control project, saying repeated flash floods have continued to threaten lives and property.

The appeal was made during an inspection tour of the proposed project sites by the Oyo State Project Implementation Unit, led by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto.

The team visited affected communities to assess the level of environmental degradation and interact with residents.

Speaking during the visit, residents expressed disappointment over the delay in the project’s implementation, noting that although several assessment teams had visited their communities over the years, physical construction had yet to begin.

They said recent flash floods had worsened erosion, damaged roads, businesses and farmlands, while leaving many residents in constant fear whenever heavy rainfall occurs.

The affected communities described the NEWMAP-EIB intervention as critical to protecting lives, restoring damaged infrastructure and preventing further environmental disasters.

They urged the Federal Government to fast-track the project’s commencement to reduce the growing impact of flooding and erosion.

Responding, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, acknowledged the concerns of the residents and assured them that the Oyo State Government had fulfilled all conditions required for the commencement of the project.

He said the state had provided the necessary counterpart support and completed all technical, environmental and social safeguard requirements.

Hon. Aderinto reaffirmed the Makinde administration’s commitment to the project, promising to relay the communities’ concerns to the Federal Government and relevant development partners.

He appealed to residents to remain calm and continue supporting government efforts, assuring them that the NEWMAP-EIB project remains a key intervention aimed at tackling erosion, improving stormwater management, reducing flooding and strengthening climate resilience across vulnerable communities in Oyo State.