The Oyo government has advised residents to stop open defecation and indiscriminate dumping of waste in streams and waterways to avoid weakening the impact of erosion control.

The commissioner for environment and natural resources, Ademola Aderinto, gave the advice on Monday after concluding the final inspection of proposed project sites under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project- European Investment Bank intervention.

A statement by the ministry said that sites visited during the inspection included Aborerin Stream in Eruwa (Ibarapa East LGA), Fedomu Stream in Igbeti (Olorunsogo LGA), and erosion sites within Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso.

The inspection exercise forms part of the concluding activities before the commencement of the NEWMAP-EIB intervention project across the state.

Mr Aderinto said the intervention would bring long-awaited relief to communities grappling with erosion and environmental degradation, adding that Oyo state has now met the key requirements for the project’s takeoff.

“The sites are located across the three senatorial zones of the state, paving the way for the commencement of construction works,” he said.

The commissioner said the successful completion of the preparatory processes was made possible through the support ofGovernor Seyi Makinde whose administration has prioritised tackling erosion challenges, strengthening climate change adaptation, and improving environmental sustainability.

Mr Aderinto assured residents of the affected communities that with the completion of all required processes, the NEWMAP-EIB project was set to move into the implementation phase.

He also restated the need for sustained community cooperation to ensure the success and long-term sustainability of the project.

(NAN)