Akoko Edo Council Chairman Orders Partial Opening of Ojirami Dam as Flood Submerges Enwan Road

Flooded: Ojirami Dam 

Hendrix Oliomogbe 

‎The Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government Council, Hon. Robert Akande Olumole, has directed the partial opening of Ojirami dam under the supervision of engineers to allow for controlled water flow and reduce the risk of flooding in adjoining communities.

Hon. Olumole spoke during an emergency visit to the dam following rising water levels which triggered concerns and panic among residents of surrounding communities.

 

He directed that the dam be partially opened under the supervision of the engineers to allow controlled water flow and reduce the risk of flooding in adjoining communities.

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‎The chairman, who led council officials

dam for an emergency assessment of the dam, said that the emergency intervention became necessary due to the prolonged deterioration of the dam's mechanical opening and closing mechanism, which officials said had not received adequate servicing or lubrication for a considerable period.

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‎During the inspection, the engineer in charge, explained that some essential materials would be required to facilitate the smooth operation of the mechanism. 

The Chairman assured the officials that the council would look into the matter, urging them to formally communicate their requirements to the council once the water level subsides.

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‎Hon. Akande commended the engineers and other officials for their prompt response to the emergency, stressing the importance of taking proactive measures to protect lives, properties and the dam's host communities.

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‎The Chief Press Secretary to the chairman, Comrade Agomini Joshua Kehinde explained that the swift intervention is part of the administration's emerging emphasis on rapid response, infrastructure assessment and protection of vulnerable communities across the ten wards of the local government area.

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                         Floored by flood: Enwan Road

Meanwhile, residents of the small town of Enwan  in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State are presently in serious danger as the only access road to the  community, which links other villages is at the verge of collapsing following torrential rainfall which has resorted in serious flooding.

The bridge to Enwan, one of the host communities of Ojirami dam, is also at serious risk of collapsing due to the incessant rainfall and lack of maintenance over the years by the state government.

Video footage by a local videographer showed scary images  of parents abandoning their wares in the market as they make frantic efforts to rescue their children from the rampaging flood following a recent heavy downpour.

Going to neighbouring communities is now one hell of a journey as the locals, including children and the aged have to either swim or wade through the muddy river, with their children on their backs.