The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Abeokuta Branch, has engaged the Ogun State Ministry of Environment on the growing concerns of poor refuse disposal and flood risks in the State. This engagement followed a formal letter from the Branch to the Ogun State Government, highlighting the urgent need to address these environmental challenges.
Representing the Branch Chairman, Engr. Olumayowa Idowu, FNSE, at the meeting with the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya, and his team was Engr. Dr. Kolawole Olonade, FNSE, a past Branch Chairman and an expert in flood and waste management, who led the NSE delegation.
Engr Dr Olonade expressed concern over the removal of refuse bins from strategic locations, which has led to indiscriminate waste dumping. He noted that many residents now dispose of waste into drainage systems, further exacerbating flood risks.
“With the rainy season approaching, there is an urgent need to reinstate designated waste collection points and implement sustainable waste management solutions,” Olonade stated.
The NSE Abeokuta Branch urged the Ministry to review and act on the Society’s previous recommendations to the Ogun State Government regarding 33 identified flood-prone areas across the state. The importance of proactive flood mitigation measures before the peak of the rainy season was strongly emphasized.
The Branch reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Ogun State Government through technical expertise in flood management and sustainable waste disposal solutions. The Branch proposed a deeper engagement with the Ministry, offering to provide Engineering assessments of drainage systems and waste disposal infrastructure and technical advisory services on flood risk reduction and sustainable waste management strategies.
In response, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya, appreciated NSE Abeokuta for its proactive approach and technical contributions towards addressing environmental challenges in Ogun State.
He highlighted that the State government is actively working on a 20-year drainage plan to tackle flood risks comprehensively and assured that NSE would be involved as a strategic partner in its implementation.
Furthermore, the Commissioner promised to carefully review NSE Abeokuta’s Flood Assessment Report for implementation and assured NSE on further engagements in the next few weeks, particularly in addressing the waste disposal challenges facing the State. He urged NSE in supporting the government in enlightening the public on the danger of indiscriminate disposal of wastes.
This meeting reaffirms NSE Abeokuta’s commitment to sustainable environmental development and its role as a key stakeholder in tackling flood and waste management challenges in Ogun State. The Society remains dedicated to working with relevant government agencies to ensure effective and sustainable environmental solutions for the benefit of all residents.
