The Edo State Flood Erosion Watershed Management Agency (Edo FEWMA) has urged residents of Ogiso Community to desist from indiscriminate dumping of waste to sustain the government’s flood and erosion control project in the area.
The Environmental Social Safeguard Officer, EdoFEWMA, Pauline Okundia, who spoke to journalists after a town hall engagement with representatives of the community at Shaka Polytechnic, Ogiso, Benin City, expressed worry that the indiscriminate disposal of wastes by residents was hampering the functionality of its flood control projects.
Okundia said, “It was discovered that the structure constructed by the state government was being filled with wastes, making it not function maximally for the purpose it was constructed. So, we decided to come and engage with the community to find a lasting solution to the problem.
“We sat down and looked critically at the M.M Way catchment area which Ogiso falls under, where flood water comes from the upper catchment to the lower catchment. We discovered that when it rains and when there are waste in the upper catchment area, it finds its way to Ogiso. This is in addition to the one Ogiso generates.”
She added, “So, we have engaged with the waste management board as the major stakeholder. They are also carrying out sensitization in those areas. We are also going to engage with the waste managers in these areas, alongside the local governments so as to come up with a lasting solution.”
Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, Okundia noted, “The engagement has been successful and the community representatives are impressed with the government’s commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of citizens.
“The community has agreed to work with the waste manager accredited in the area to evacuate the existing water and comply with a sustainable waste management system in Ogiso community.”
On behalf of the Ogiso community, Mr. Paul Amadasun while commending the state government for efforts to improve the livelihoods of the people of the community, said, “The meeting was fruitful. We commend the government’s plan to set up a waste management system and other steps to bring a lasting solution to the flooding problem in the area.
“On our part, we will continue to enlighten and sensitize the members of the community. We will also clear the drains and evacuate all wastes with the help of waste managers.”
