The Edo State Government has cautioned residents in the state to be careful and vigilant as they move around in the rains to safely wade through the momentary flooding that may arise from the heavy rainfall witnessed in the state.
In a statement, Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, urged residents to be wary of momentary flooding in parts of the state and exercise caution when they move around as pedestrians or motorists, so as to avoid casualties.
According to him, “We want to caution residents in the state to be careful and vigilant when they move around in the state, as we may experience momentary flooding in parts of the state. Parents are advised to watch their children carefully so they do not stray and get caught up in flash floods. We also caution motorists to drive carefully, avoiding flood flash points, especially areas with deep drainage systems.
“The flooding, as we all know, is momentary. The roads would be dry in no distant time, but we call for caution nonetheless so we don’t record casualties,” he said.
He added, “Specifically, we want to encourage parents with school-age children to ensure that an adult accompanies their children when they go out during this season, so the children do not stray into flood path. Motorists should also respect traffic rules and regulations so as not cause unnecessary traffic jam in the city center.”
He advised residents in the state to dispose of their wastes properly and desilt drainages in their immediate environment so as to make room for a free flow of floodwater.
The governor’s aide said that the state government is working diligently to tackle the issue of flooding in the state through a multi-pronged approach, including clean up of debris across the state through the Clean Up Edo Project Committee; drainage and erosion control programme implemented through the Edo State Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) as well as other campaigns championed by the Edo State Waste Management Board and the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability.
