Flood: Kwara Begins De-Silting Of Drains

To check flooding, Gov
ernor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara has ordered the de-silting of blocked drains within Ilorin metropolis.
The state Commissioner for Environment and Forestry, Usman Mora, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Ilorin.
It would be recalled that the flooding incident which occurred on April 9 had claimed lives and destroyed properties in some parts of Ilorin.
Mora said his ministry had started to sensitise residents on the need to vacate road setbacks and walkways while enforcement order on setbacks had begun.
The commissioner, however, said government was ready to assist those that had been affected by the enforcement order.
“Why we have to embark on this massive enforcement is because the rains are setting in.
“Governor Ahmed has just given us approval to de-silt all the drains ahead of time so that we can avert flooding.
“So that is why you see that we are forcing the traders out of our roads.
“And if we did not drive them away, there is no way the beautification of the city can be done.’’
Mora explained that the ministry earlier met with the traders and gave them ultimatum to relocate.
He also appealed to those engaged in charcoal business, saw-millers and farmers to refrain from indiscriminate felling of trees.
“Before you fell any tree, go to our forest officers, they will advise you.
‘’Most of them will find out that they are cutting economic trees like shea-nut and locust-bean trees and these trees are very viable economically,’’ he said.