By Ukoko Ogheneyoleme
The Edo State Government says it is stepping up investments in flood control, erosion management and waste management as part of efforts to improve environmental sustainability and enhance the quality of life for residents across the state.
The Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Hon. Nosa Adams, made this known while presenting the ministry’s scorecard at the Ministry of Information and Strategy’s bi-monthly press briefing in Benin City.
According to Adams, the ministry has embarked on strategic interventions to tackle flooding and erosion through the rehabilitation and reactivation of drainage channels and retention systems at critical locations across Benin metropolis.
He said one of the major achievements is the rehabilitation of the drainage and retention system around the Military Base Hospital, which has significantly improved water evacuation in the area.
“The area previously experienced prolonged flooding, but water now drains within 10 minutes,” the commissioner said.
He added that the reactivation of the retention pond along Boundary Road has also reduced flooding, with floodwaters now receding in less than 30 minutes after rainfall.
Adams disclosed that ongoing flood control projects are also being carried out along the Uselu–New Lagos Road corridor, particularly around the S&T Barracks, where drainage channels have been desilted. He said additional desilting and the construction of another retention pond are underway to further improve water flow in the area.
The commissioner further revealed that the state government has fulfilled its counterpart funding obligation for the Benin Storm Water Project in partnership with the European Investment Bank.
According to him, the project, which was suspended under the previous administration, is expected to resume within the next two months. He said the next phase will extend to Tomline, Siluko Road and Ekenwan Road, providing long-term solutions to flooding and erosion in the affected communities.
On waste management, Adams said Benin City generates more than 4,000 tonnes of waste daily, adding that the ministry, in collaboration with the Edo State Waste Management Board, is implementing measures to improve waste collection and disposal.
He noted that the state currently operates five dumpsites, including one equipped with a recycling plant to promote environmentally sustainable waste management.
The commissioner also raised concerns over the activities of illegal miners in parts of Edo North, Ovia South-West and Ovia North-East Local Government Areas, warning that unregulated mining poses serious environmental and safety risks.
He assured residents that the government is intensifying enforcement efforts to curb illegal mining and protect affected communities.
Speaking at the briefing, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Prince Kassim Afegbua, commended Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration for prioritising environmental sustainability and engaging traditional rulers in efforts to address insecurity across the state.
The briefing was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, Mrs. Edith Ebomoyi; Managing Director of the Edo State Parks and Gardens Agency, Mr. Ighodalo Dave; Managing Director of the Edo State Waste Management Board, Dr. Lucky Inehita-Inegbenehi; Special Adviser to the Governor on Environmental Sustainability, Hon. Johnson Adamu, as well as directors of the ministry.
