Flood-Prone Oyo Communities Protest Delay in NEWMAP-EIB Project, Government Appeals for Patience

Flood-Prone Oyo Communities Protest Delay in NEWMAP-EIB Project, Government Appeals for Patience

Residents of flood-prone communities selected for the Nigeria Climate Adaptation-Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB) in Oyo State have voiced frustration over the prolonged delay in the commencement of the erosion and flood control initiative, urging the Federal Government to expedite implementation as recurring floods continue to threaten lives and property.

Flood-prone communities earmarked for the Nigeria Climate Adaptation-Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB) in Oyo State have expressed growing concern over the delayed take-off of the long-awaited erosion and flood control intervention.

The residents made their concerns known during an inspection tour of the proposed project sites by the Oyo State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU), led by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto.

During the visit, residents lamented that despite receiving several inspection teams over the years, physical construction on the project has yet to begin.

They said recurring flash floods have worsened their living conditions, with overflowing streams and severe erosion threatening homes, roads, businesses, and farmlands. According to them, every heavy rainfall now comes with fear due to the absence of the promised intervention.

The affected communities appealed to the Federal Government to fast-track the commencement of the NEWMAP-EIB project, describing it as a critical intervention that would safeguard lives, protect infrastructure, and reduce the devastating impact of flooding and erosion.

Responding, Commissioner Aderinto acknowledged the residents' frustrations, saying their concerns were justified given the persistent environmental challenges facing the affected communities.

He assured them that the Oyo State Government had fulfilled all requirements necessary for the project's commencement, including the provision of counterpart funding and the completion of all technical, environmental, and social safeguard obligations expected of participating states.

The commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Seyi Makinde's administration to the successful implementation of the project, adding that the state would continue engaging the Federal Government and development partners to ensure work begins without further delay.

"We understand the pain and frustration of our people. We have listened carefully to every concern raised during this visit. The Oyo State Government has completed its obligations under the project framework and remains committed to ensuring that implementation begins. We will formally relay your messages and the urgency of your situation to the Federal Government and all relevant stakeholders for necessary action," Aderinto said.

He appealed to residents to remain calm and continue supporting government efforts, assuring them that their cooperation would be vital once construction begins.

Aderinto reiterated that the NEWMAP-EIB project is a key climate resilience initiative aimed at controlling erosion, improving stormwater management, reducing flooding, and strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities across Oyo State.