The Ekiti State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Erelu Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, has urged residents across the state to prioritise their safety and exercise caution during heavy rainfall, following recent downpours that reportedly claimed lives.
Aluko-Ajisafe advised motorists, tricycle operators and commercial motorcyclists to avoid unnecessary movement during heavy rains, urging those who must travel to reduce their speed, maintain safe distances and avoid roads and areas where floodwater has accumulated. She also warned residents against walking or playing near flowing water, drainage channels and unstable structures during downpours.
The Commissioner called on residents to keep their surroundings, gutters and drainage channels clean and free from refuse, stressing that indiscriminate dumping of waste could obstruct waterways and worsen flooding. She further advised residents to exercise caution around trees and electrical installations and promptly report fallen trees, blocked drains and other environmental hazards to the relevant authorities.
She said the state government was continuing efforts to minimise the impact of heavy rainfall through the clearing and desilting of drainage channels, removal of obstructions from waterways, monitoring of vulnerable locations and prompt intervention when environmental hazards are identified. Aluko-Ajisafe assured residents that the Ministry would sustain its monitoring activities and collaborate with relevant agencies to safeguard lives, property and the environment.
