The Edo State Government says it has commissioned a team of environmental and hydrology experts to understudy the acclaimed flood control strategy that had worked in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States during the administrations of former governors Godswill Akpabio and Nyesom Wike respectively in its determination to address the perennial flooding challenges confronting Edo State, particularly in Benin City, the state capital.
Newsmata.com.ng reports that a statement on Tuesday by the chief press secretary to the governor, Fred Itua, said the initiative underscored Governor Okpebholo’s “pragmatic approach to governance, premised on learning from working models, and replicating tested solutions that deliver real results for the people”.
Itua noted that the Akwa Ibom and Rivers States’ models, widely acknowledged for transforming some of Nigeria’s most flood-prone areas into states with efficient flood management systems, “stand as credible blueprints for what is possible in Edo State”.
The statement was however silent on the fate of the multi-billion dollars Benin City storm water project initiated by the administration of Ex-Governor Adams Oshiomhole but abandoned by his successor, Godwin Obaseki.
According to him, “With the rainy season almost at its peak, the timing of the exercise is strategic. It provides the experts with a unique opportunity to observe and assess the true extent of flooding in real time across Benin City and other vulnerable parts of the state.
“The focus will be on understanding the terrain, existing drainage infrastructure, and recurring flashpoints of overflow and erosion.
The technical team from four companies will conduct comprehensive feasibility studies and environmental assessments aimed at designing a permanent and sustainable solution to Benin City’s flood problem”.
Itua disclosed that their findings and recommendations would be submitted to the Governor for thorough evaluation and subsequent implementation.
The statement in a similar vein, gave notice of demolition to landlords of private and commercial houses built along waterways to pave the way for proper surface and underground drainages, especially in government reserved areas (GRA) in Benin City.
Itua said property owners with verified documents would be compensated by the government, while others would be relocated to safe areas.
He said the governor’s “bold multifaceted flood control project” across the state capital would commence after the heavy rains and will be completed “in no distant time”.
The statement expressed the government’s commitment to ensuring that this process is neither cosmetic nor politicised “but rather driven by empirical data and genuine concern for the safety and wellbeing of Edo residents”.
Itua noted that “Unlike the intervention by the last administration that was marred by mismanagement, half-hearted execution, and diversion of funds under the guise of erosion control, this new initiative will be comprehensive, transparent, and targeted at delivering a permanent fix.
“The Governor has made it clear that there will be zero tolerance for corruption or cosmetic solutions. Every kobo earmarked for the projects will be accounted for and directed solely toward its intended purpose — the protection of lives, properties, and the environment”.
Emphasising Governor Okpebholo’s unwavering pledge to make Benin City and its environs more resilient, livable, and economically viable, Itua said this bold intervention is part of his principal’s “broader development agenda to reposition Edo State as a model of modern urban infrastructure and environmental planning in Nigeria”, stressing that “the era of seasonal flooding, paralysing communities, and threatening livelihoods in Edo is coming to an end”.
Itua posited that the Okpebholo administration is taking firm steps to deliver a future where residents will no longer live in fear each time it rains, and urged Edo people to look forward to a new lease of life “marked by proactive leadership and responsive governance”.