By Adeyinka Adeniran
Oyo State government has approved the immediate dredging of 11 flood-prone rivers across the state, including Iseyin, Oyo, Ibadan, Igbo Ora, Ogbomoso, among others, as a proactive measures in addressing flooding during the rainy season.
The government has also approved N690million for the procurement of more compactor trucks to enhance refuse collection and disposal across the state
Additionally, the government approved the procurement of fire fighting auxiliary and special equipment for the Oyo State Fire Service Agency, to enhance fire fighting, rescue operations and protect firemen from occupational hazards.
The approvals form part of decisions reached at the State Executive Council meeting which held on Tuesday.
Conveying the decisions, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade said the meeting acting on a report by the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) and the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET) which predicted that a number of States, including Oyo, will experience flooding this year.
He said, “The state government is taking proactive measures in addressing flooding during the rainy season. The Ministry of Environment has been given the go-ahead to procure more compactor trucks to enhance refuse collection in the municipality.
“Equally, auxiliary and special equipment are being provided for the State Fire Service Agency to combat fire incidents in the State.
“These were some of the resolutions at the Executive Council meeting which was held yesterday.
“The meeting recalled that the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) and the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET) in their reports predicted that a number of States, including Oyo, will experience flooding this year.
“In order to protect lives and property, the Council approved immediate dredging of 11 flood-prone rivers across the State, including Iseyin, Oyo, Ibadan, Igbo Ora, Ogbomoso, among others.
“Recall the fire incidents in some markets across the State, the latest of which is the Aleshinloye market, Ibadan, to this end, Council approved the procurement of fire fighting auxiliary and special equipment for the Oyo State Fire Service Agency, to enhance fire fighting, rescue operations and protect firemen from occupational hazards
“Approval was also sought and given to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to procure compactor trucks to supplement efficiency in refuse collection. The approval for the three projects amounts to ₦690 million.
“The Council also considered and approved the procurement and installation of transformer and power generating set for the Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo monumental park and energy storage upgrade for the dualized Ladoke Akintola airport road.
“The main reason for the shutdown of the airport in the past few weeks is to upgrade the infrastructure to International standard by enhancing its aesthetic values, recreation facilities, advertising displays, directions signs and speed limit indicators that are necessary for International flight operations.
“The project will cost ₦224,781,750.00
“The State Executive Council also approved the installation of public lighting along the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular road phase one.
“Recalled that the 110KM motorway will ease traffic congestion in Ibadan metropolis, while travellers from other parts of the country can avoid the Ibadan city traffic by linking the circular road to their destinations.
“The project is aimed at ensuring adequate, sufficient and sustainable lighting on the motorway and assists the objective of improving socio-economic growth and investment in Oyo State, including development of the night-time economy. The project will cost ₦15,111,129,535.30.
“Council also approved the expansion and rehabilitation of some roads in Ibadan municipality.
“These include: Bolajoko estate road network, General gas; rehabilitation of Bishop’s court road, Jejelaye and Peace roads, Anifalaje area among others, for the sum of ₦1,988,512,481.00.
“In consonance with the policy of government to develop Culture and Tourism in Oyo State to an International economic status, the Council approved the World Egungun festival that will attract national and international interests.
“The festival will hold later in the year and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has been mandated to provide specific timetable of all cultural events for the approval of the Council.”
