The federal government-funded dredging of Asa River in Ilorin to control erosion and prevent flooding in the Ilorin metropolis will commence by mid-September, the Kwara State Government has announced.

The Buhari regime in July approved N16 billion for erosion control in 12 states including Kwara.

Spokesperson of the state’s Ministry for Environment, Taiwo Okanlawon, confirmed this to newsmen in Ilorin on Sunday.

“The Commissioner for Environment, Remilekun Banigbe, said that the dredging will commence by the middle of September to find a lasting solution to the perennial overflow of water at some points of the river, especially at Unity Road, Ilorin.

“The dredging is a sequel to the visit to the river by officials of the Ecological Fund under the presidency for an assessment last week.

“The Ecological Fund intervention is to avert any loss of life and property,” Mrs Okanlawon said.

The spokesperson recalled that the commissioner had earlier advised residents at the river bank to vacate before the commencement of the exercise.

“She enjoined all the residents to comply with the directive of the state government for the safety of their lives and properties,” she said.

Mrs Okanlawon also said that the state government had earlier commenced the clearing and evacuation of debris on the river to prevent looming floods in the city of Ilorin.

The exercise was jointly conducted at Unity Road axis by officials of the Ministry of Environment, Environmental Task Force, the state Fire Service and professional local divers.

(NAN)