The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his administration is reviving the natural water collection points and transforming the points into green lands as part of measures to check the incidence of flooding in the state.
The governor said this after inspecting ongoing construction work along Ugbor-Amagba Road in Oredo Local Government Area.
He noted that the structures built along the natural waterways would be removed, as the natural water path had been built in the Ugbor-Amagba axis of the state to provide a lasting solution to the flood challenges experienced in the area.
He noted, “Going by the experience with flooding in this area last year, we are putting measures in place to practically solve the flood problem.
We will not like residents to experience same challenges this year because, according to weather predictions, the rains will be more this year.”
Obaseki said his administration resolved to reopen the natural water collection points rather than opt for the expensive option of constructing long concrete drains, noting, “We are looking at areas that are natural water collection points and making them green areas so that water can be drained to such areas.”
He also inspected ongoing construction work along Etete Road and the remodeling of the National Sports Commission Indoor Complex in Benin City.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Infrastructure, Hon. John Inegbedion said the Amagba Road project has a total stretch of 18km and the construction work on the road would be completed in a few months.
He said a burrow pit in the Amagba area had been converted to a retention point where water would be channelled into.
