The Lagos State Government has advised residents living along the Ogun Riverbanks to relocate to higher grounds as the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) begins releasing water from the Oyan Dam.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, provided this advice during a news conference on Thursday in Lagos.
According to him, the water release is essential for preserving the dam’s structural integrity and ensuring its socio-economic significance for Lagos State.
Mr. Wahab emphasized that the dam’s annual operations are guided by real-time hydrological data, rainfall forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, and flood projections from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
These sources, he said, influence water release decisions to achieve both flood control and the dam’s integrity.
He acknowledged concerns about the water release’s impact on surrounding communities, particularly those along the Ogun River water channels extending into Lagos State.
The dam, he explained, is operated according to safety protocols to prevent damage and reduce flood risks.
OORBDA’s latest report shows that as of October 12, the dam had released 1,484.2 million cubic metres (mcm) of water, still below the average annual flow volume of 1,770 mcm.
Despite significant rainfall—984.1 mm so far in 2024, compared to 1,540.8 mm in 2023—the commissioner noted that the levels remain safe.
The dam’s four radial gates can release up to 2,271 cubic metres per second (m³/s) at peak times, but current releases are controlled at 208 m³/s, with two gates operating at 12% capacity.
Mr. Wahab assured the public that 62.1% of the dam’s flood control capacity remains intact, and no excessive water release beyond safe limits is imminent, thanks to cooperation between the state and OORBDA.
The state government, he added, recognizes the challenges faced by residents in affected areas, including Kara, Mile 12, Agiliti, Ikosi Ketu, Owode, Ajegunle, and Odo-Ogun.
“However, it is important to note that while flooding in these areas is often attributed to water released from Oyan Dam, it is not the sole cause. A complex network of over 52 tributaries contributes to the rising water levels,” Mr. Wahab said.
These tributaries, combined with runoff from rainfall, worsen the flooding situation, making it critical to consider these factors in flood management strategies for the region.
To mitigate flood risks, OORBDA recently began dredging the Ogun River downstream from Ikorodu to the Isheri axis. This dredging aims to deepen the river channel and increase its water-carrying capacity.
Mr. Wahab said the state government remains committed to its partnership with OORBDA to ensure controlled and monitored water releases from the Oyan Dam, aiming to reduce flood risks for downstream communities.
The commissioner emphasized that the collaboration seeks to address humanitarian concerns, particularly for vulnerable populations such as women, children, the elderly, and those living with disabilities.
Additionally, the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang has been clearing secondary collectors and conduits to improve their efficiency as retention basins, as part of statewide efforts to prevent flooding.
Mr. Wahab also urged Lagosians to stop dumping refuse in unauthorized areas, disposing of bottles on roads, and clogging drains with construction materials.
He further warned residents against building on or near drainage right-of-ways and discharging waste into drains, which causes blockages and increases the risk of flooding.
Residents are encouraged to report blocked drains and illegal waste disposal to the resident engineers’ offices statewide.
“I appeal to everyone to support our efforts by regularly clearing drains in front of their homes,” he said.
Present at the conference were Omobolaji Gaji, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Environmental Services, Mahamood Adegbite, Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services, and other ministry directors.
Source: NAN
