Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has commiserated with residents and families affected by flooding in parts of the state, urging residents to stop dumping refuse on waterways and building on natural drainage channels.

Several communities across the state have been affected by days of heavy rainfall, with reports of flooding, erosion and damage to roads, bridges, houses and other properties.

In Osogbo, floodwater has taken over some streets and entered residential areas, while serious erosion has also been reported. No casualties have been recorded so far.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke expressed concern over the impact of the flooding on homes, businesses and livelihoods.

The governor directed the Special Task Force on Environmental Sanitation, led by Elder Ayanleye Aina, to visit affected areas and assess the environmental conditions contributing to the flooding.

“I have directed the Special Task Force to visit affected areas and prepare a response plan for the administration,” Adeleke said.

He noted that the state government had carried out initial dredging and drainage interventions to improve water flow and reduce flooding, assuring residents that further measures would be taken where necessary.

Adeleke, however, stressed that government interventions could not achieve the desired results if waterways continued to be obstructed by human activities.

“I urge my people, the residents of Osun State, to stop dumping refuse on waterways, roadsides, and desist from building on natural water channels as well as flood-prone corridors,” he said.

The governor also urged residents to report blocked drainages, flooding incidents and other environmental hazards to the relevant authorities.

He assured affected communities that the state government would continue to monitor the situation and take additional measures to protect lives, property and communities across Osun State.