Edo State to Demolish Structures on Flood Channels

The Edo State Government has announced plans to demolish buildings and structures on waterways and flood channels to reduce flooding risks across the state. Jerry Idahosa, Executive Secretary of the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (EDOSEMA), disclosed this during a media briefing in Benin City on Monday.

He highlighted that many buildings have been constructed on the Benin moat, and drainage channels have been blocked due to indiscriminate waste disposal, exacerbating flooding risks. EDOSEMA is compiling names of flood victims to facilitate intervention efforts and has prepared internally displaced persons’ camps in anticipation of future flood emergencies.

Communities expected to face severe flooding include Illushi, Etsako Central, and Etsako East. Idahosa noted that approximately 1,000 farmers have reported destroyed farmlands, and 57 residents were affected in Igarra.

Residents in flood-prone areas have been advised to relocate to safer grounds. The government is collaborating with various ministries to address the issues of blocked drainage and illegal constructions.