In a bid to further ensure the safety of lives and property in Kara, Ikosi Ketu, Mile 12, Ajegunle, Owode, Odo-Ogun, Agboyi-Ketu LCDA and environs, the management of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (O-ORBDA), has promised to continue monitoring the ongoing water release from Oyan Dam closely by collaborating with relevant agencies as well as the Lagos and Ogun State Governments. This was contained in a press release signed by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, (O-ORBDA), Engr. Dr. Adedeji Ashiru FNSE FNIMechE FNIWE on Sunday.
Ashiru noted that ORBDA operates the Oyan Dam in strict compliance with safety protocols to prevent structural damage to the dam and mitigate flood risks. Hence, 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) and these sources guide its water release decisions, ensuring both flood control and the integrity of the dam.
“As detailed in our latest operational report, 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 rainfall across the Oyan River catchment area has been significant, with a cumulative 984.1 mm recorded this year, it remains lower than last year’s 1,540.8 mm and is within safe operational levels.
The dam is equipped with four radial gates capable of releasing up to 2,271 cubic meters per second (m³/s) during peak periods.
“However, current releases are measured at 208 m³/s, with only two gates opened at 12% capacity each, ensuring controlled and steady discharge. Notably, 62.1% of the dam’s flood control capacity remains intact, meaning the Oyan Dam is not under any imminent threat of releasing excess water beyond safe limits, ” he explained.
Nevertheless, as a responsible federal government organisation, Ashiru said the authority fully recognises the challenges faced by residents in affected communities, including Kara, Mile 12, Ikosi Ketu, Ajegunle, Owode, and Odo-Ogun as reported. “However, I want to emphasise that while the flooding experienced in these areas has often been attributed solely to water releases 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. “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, he explained that OORBDA flagged off the dredging of the Ogun River downstream from the Ikorodu to Isheri axis on Friday, 13th September 2024. This dredging project, is 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, adding that OORBDA will continue to monitor the situation closely by collaborating with relevant agencies, such as the Lagos State Government, Ogun State Government, and affected communities, to address humanitarian concerns, particularly for vulnerable groups like women, children, the elderly, and people living with disabilities.
“We call on all stakeholders to join hands in mitigating the effects of this flood season.
