Famodun commiserates with Osun flood victims, applauds Oyetola's quick response

The state of Osun chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Gboyega Famodun, has commiserated with the victims of the flood that ravaged some communities across the state following torrential rainfall few days ago.

The party chairman in a statement signed by his Media Consultant, Kola Olabisi, in Osogbo, the state capital yesterday, stated that if not for the pro-active nature of both the immediate past and present APC-led governments in the state that prioritised massive channelisation of some spots across the state, the effect of the flood would have been more  devastating.

 

Famodun said though, the adverse effect of the flood was felt across some states where it rained cat and dog but it is imperative for discerning minds to observe that "we have every reason to thank God Almighty as no life was lost".

The APC state boss also disclosed that the prompt attention given to the flood ravaged areas especially in Osogbo, the state capital, by Governor Gboyega Oyetola-led administration is a barometer to measure a responsible and responsive government that prioritises the governed in its scheme of things.

He stated that the prompt attention given to the flood by men of the Federal and state fire services was also commendable as their operatives and officers were sighted running up and down to ease the situation.

Famodun also observed that investigation has shown that the unsavoury effects of the recent flood in the state was largely man-made as deliberate blocking of waterways by some disgruntled elements in the state has been a common feature.

The Igbajo-born prince said, he observed that since the successive APC administrations in the state have embarked on aggressive channelisation of identified troubled spots, some land speculators have been selling some water ways that only become dry during the rainy season to some people who build houses on them.

In his statement: "Honestly speaking, I don't know what to call this if not deliberate frustration of the government's efforts to make life more abundant for the people.

"The examples of what I am talking about are not far-fetched as illegal building structures on water ways abound in Osogbo and other spots across the states.

"The effects of the flood despite the proactive nature of the government in this regard is a pointer to the fact that some government agencies or officials are sabotaging the efforts of the government.

"I continue to wonder who are the town planners that approved building plans on water ways if not saboteurs?", he questioned.

He was of the opinion for immediate inauguration of a task force whose duty would be constant surveillance of waterways across the state saddled with the power to recommend to the state government what to be done to such illegally-built buildings.

The party chairman also enjoined the state ministry of environment to be more alive to its statutory functions of keeping the state waterways safe for the people of the state.

 It was also Famodun's observation that illegal dumping of refuse by some people is another cause of avoidable flooding which breach should be made to attract severe penalties by the government.