The Managing Director/CEO, Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority, Engr. Dr. Adedeji Ashiru FNSE FNIMechE FNIWE has said the Oyan River Dam is not the cause of flooding in Isheri and other communities downstream of the Ogun River.
Engr. Ashiru stated this during a stakeholders meeting with various Isheri estate residents association on Tuesday, 29th October, 2024.
He said the people should stop blaming Oyan Dam for the flooding in Isheri stating that Oyan Dam is a blessing to Isheri community.
Ashiru informed the gathering that the primary factor contributing to the flooding in Isheri is the 52 ungated tributaries flowing into Ogun River.
The Managing Director said both Oyan and Ogun Rivers are transboundary with sources from Benin Republic and that the rise in water levels often resulted from rainfalls in Benin Republic rather than the water releases from Oyan River Dam.
He said the Authority has been releasing about 17.4 million cubic meters of water from the Dam in the last two months to manage the water surge into the Dam and also prevent the Dam collapse.
Ashiru said “the people of Isheri communities should see Oyan Dam as a blessing rather than attributing their plight to the Dam. Without the Dam managing the flow of water, Isheri and some parts of Abeokuta communities would have been submerged”.
He added that Oyan Dam was built to control flooding and erosion downstream Ogun River and give kudos to the former leaders that conceive the idea of constructing the Dam.
” I have repeatedly explained that the 52 ungated tributaries downstream of Oyan Dam are the major causes of the flooding we’re experiencing in Isheri.”
The gated Oyan Dam is the only safeguard for Isheri, controlling the water flow upstream. Both Oyan and Ogun Rivers are transboundary, entering Nigeria from Benin Republic. Even without rainfall in Nigeria, heavy rain from this country increases water levels in the river. The Oyan Dam controls this water influx, unlike the other 52 tributaries flowing freely downstream Ogun River, he said.
Ashiru at the occasion suggested that additional smaller dams might be required to capture water from these tributaries to address the flooding problem effectively.
While reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to eradicate flooding at Isheri, the Managing Director noted that he had recently received a letter from the Senate seeking solutions to the problem.
He said as a temporary measure, the Federal Government will begin dredging the Ogun River next week to increase its capacity to accommodate higher flow of water.
Ashiru also stated at the meeting that he has written to President Bola Tinubu and the Ecological Fund office on the issue adding that with residents’ support, the flooding issues in the area will soon be resolved.
In their remarks, the Chairman, Board of Trustees Lagos-Ogun Estates Association, Isheri, Engr. Olanrewaju Falade and other various Estates Chairmen advocated for more constructive engagement to find a lasting solution to flooding in the community.
They also called for regular communication and data exchange between the Authority and all relevant stakeholders regarding water releases from the Oyan Dam.
