The chairman of Ido-Osi Local Government Area in Ekiti, Bamidele Omoleye, has urged residents to refrain from dumping refuse in drains to prevent flooding.

In an interview with journalists on Sunday in Ido-Ekiti, Mr Omoleye stressed that refuse dumped in drains blocked waterways, diverting water to major roads and residential apartments.

Mr Omoleye advised residents, particularly landlords and caretakers, to regularly clean drains around their houses to prevent flooding during the current rainy season.

“As the rainy season is upon us, residents and individuals in Ikole Local Government and across the state must ensure regular drain cleaning,” he said.

Mr Omoleye highlighted that other states are experiencing flooding, resulting in loss of lives and destruction of properties worth millions of naira, and emphasised that Ekiti must avoid such hazards.

He warned that individuals caught dumping or burning refuse in drains would face arrest and fined as a deterrent.

Furthermore, Mr Omoleye appealed to traditional rulers and chiefs to raise awareness about the dangers of indiscriminate refuse dumping.

He assured that his administration would protect local government communities from flooding during the rainy season.

(NAN)