With Joke Adeniyi-Jackson
I recall that as little kids (my siblings and I) back in the years, the rumbling sound that heralded rainfall stirred excitement in us. There were varieties of songs both in English and local dialect that we sang to express much exhilaration over the downpour and its attendant soothing effect. The songs depicted rainfall in good light and as such, we didn’t realise it has destructive tendencies. As I grew older it dawned on me that the natural meteorological event, could leave in its trail pain, tears and sorrow, when a relative and his household became victims of the devastating effect of heavy downpour. Rainfall causes havoc and becomes terror in form of flood.
Flooding causes extensive damage; destroying houses and other things coming its way.
However, the natural disaster has become a recurring decimal in Ilorin, Kwara State capital. For the second time this year heavy downpour has lashed out its destructive fangs. Properties worth millions of naira were destroyed on Monday following rainstorm in Ilorin metropolis.
The heavy rain which lasted for about three hours led to collapse of some houses while some others were submerged. Some of the affected areas include Okekere,ย Oloje,ย Gaa-Odota,ย Okefomo,ย Agbo-oba, Ogidi,ย Ita-Amo,ย ย Oko- Olowo, Eruda Alapata, Oja- Iya and Alagbado/Ayegbami, Olorunsogo and Alore, among others.
Scores of people in the affected areas were rendered homeless as a result of the heavy downpour. These ugly occurrence, however, cannot be divorced from unwholesome human activities particularly indiscriminate refuse disposal.ย The lack of adequate waste collection and disposal system cause poor sanitation as it leads to the blockages of drains. No doubt, population explosion has also contributed to the generation of waste, a huge part of which go into the drains, which are never cleared and makes them clog. When a drainage system is not properly maintained,ย ย plants grow there, which will hinder water flow in the drain, and when not tackled early leads to flooding.
Just few days ago, after a downpour I noticed that the Asa River was littered with refuse which was probable washed off from drains. It is common for residents of the indigenous part of the state capital to empty their refuse into drainages during rainfall for it to be washed away. Most drainage system are blocked by improper maintenance and dumping of refuse. Another human factor identified as cause of flooding is the erection of structures on drainage channels and water courses, thus impeding the free flow of water. These lawless activities put lives and property of residents at risk.
In addition, it has been observed that there are inadequate drainage system in the state capital and where there is it is not effective because of improper designs, which leads to flooding of roads during heavy rainfall. The roads become impassable for people and cars.
Like the saying that experience is the best teacher, it is hope that the latest flood incident will serve as a wakeup call for residents of affected areas on the need to desist from the habit of dumping refuse in drainages meant to channel flood water to the river, which has played major role in the recent experience of flooding in the state
The roof catchment methods of rain water collection should also be encouraged to reduce flows into drainage. House must not be built on drainage system because this is a major way to reduce flooding. It is necessary for residents to employ adequate and proper maintenance culture of drainages. Gutter must be inspected regularly to see how it discharges the runoff water in order to prevent flooding.
On its part, the state government must pay attention to desilting of drainages. Towards mitigating the incidence of flooding, the Kwara Government must ensure that owners of properties erected on drainage channels and impeding the free-flow of water immediately vacate and affected people resellted elsewhere. There is also the urgent need for government to address the poor or non-existent drainage system in the state capital. Relevant government agencies must identify areas prone to flood risk with view to putting in place measures to cut back its effects.
However, one must commend the state government and the Senate President, Dr.ย Bukola Saraki for prompt response to the Monday flood disaster in Ilorin by providing palatives for victims.
The Senate President provided temporary accommodation for the victims of the devastating flooding.
The Senate President’s interventions included the provision of food and other relief materials to hundreds of displaced persons.
Nonetheless, it is hope that the state government will find lasting solution to the perennial flooding as promised.
