Oyan Dam Release: As Usual, Lagos Tells Residents To Relocate Over Flood

- Advertisement -

As usual, the Lagos State government has asked residents  and property owners at the Ogun River banks to relocate to higher grounds as the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authorities releases water from Oyan Dam.

In what has become a yearly ritual, the state government at a Press Briefing by the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources on Thursday, said Lagosians needed to be alerted on the commencement of release of water to maintain the sanctity of the dam and its socio-economic implications for Lagos State.

Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources,
who addressed the media said,  “It is crucial to understand that the dam’s annual operations are informed by real-time hydrological data, rainfall predictions from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and flood outlooks from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

- Advertisement -

“These sources guide the water release decisions to ensure both flood control and the integrity of the dam.”

Last year, both the Lagos State government and its Ogun counterparts visited flooded communities within the states and promised to ameliorate the situation. But while the Ogun State has made positive moves by dredging the Opa Aro riverside to ensure the flow of water to the lagoon, the Lagos State government is yet to put anything in place to prevent floods especially in flooded communities including the state-owned estate, Isheri North Residential estate which is controlled by the Lagos State New Towns Development Authority (NTDA).

The commissioner said the state government and the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) acknowledged the concerns raised regarding the release of water from the Dam and its impact on surrounding communities, particularly those along the Ogun River water channels extending into Lagos State.

This year’s  press statement reads:

“A detailed operational report by OORBDA states that the total water released from the dam this year, as of 12th October 2024, stands at 1,484.2 million cubic meters (mcm), which remains below the average synthesized annual flow volume of 1,770 mcm. Although rainfalls across the Oyan River catchment area have been significant, with a cumulative 984.1 mm recorded this year, saying it remains lower than last year’s 1,540.8 mm and is within safe operational levels.

“62.1% of the dam’s flood control capacity remains intact with the Dam not under any imminent threat of releasing excess water beyond safe limits saying this has been made possible through the collaboration of the State with OORBDA.

“The State Government fully recognizes the challenge faced by residents in affected communities which include Kara, Mile 12, Agiliti, Ikosi Ketu, Owode, Ajegunle, and Odo-Ogun as reported. However, I want to emphasize that while the flooding experienced in these areas has often been attributed solely to water released from the Oyan Dam, this is not entirely the case; In reality, the downstream section of the Ogun River is influenced by a complex network of over 52 tributaries, all of which converge and contribute to rising water levels in the affected areas.

“These tributaries, combined with rain-induced runoff, significantly exacerbate the flood situation adding that this is a critical point to consider when addressing flood management strategies for this region.

“In an effort to reduce the flood risks and ensure the free flow of water within the Ogun River system, Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) recently flagged off the dredging of the Ogun River downstream from the Ikorodu to Isheri axis (Ajelogo, Owode-Elede, Ajegunle, and under deck-on-pile of Itowolo Bridge) for the water released on Friday, 13th September 2024.

“Some right-of-ways along the catchment areas were protected and restored, and the dredging project was a proactive measure to deepen the river channel and increase its capacity to convey water, thereby reducing the likelihood of flooding during periods of high inflow.

“The State Government would continue to monitor the situation closely and collaborate with relevant Agencies and affected communities, to address humanitarian concerns, particularly for vulnerable groups like women, children, the elderly, and people living with disabilities.

“I wish to appeal once again to our people to support our efforts by complementing the State Government through regular clearing of drains in their frontages to ensure free-flow of storm water as well as to desist from dumping of refuse into drainage channels and roads.”