The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has lamented an increasing spate of rainstorms causing colossal destruction of buildings and electrical facilities in the state and rendering hundreds of citizens homeless as well as throwing them into perpetual darkness.
Oyebanji spoke on Thursday, while inspecting some buildings that were destroyed by rainstorm in Oye, Ayede and Ilupeju Ekiti, in Oye Local Government Area, where over 300 rooftops were blown off, during a stormy downpour that wrecked havoc on Tuesday’s evening.
The Governor was accompanied to the towns by the officials of the National Emergency Management Agency ( NEMA) and Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency ( EKSEMA)
Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, sympathized with the victims, saying the government of Governor Biodun Oyebanji wont abandon them to suffer.
Commenting on the massive disaster, the Governor said he had earlier visited Ipoti, Odo- Owa, Igbemo, Iyin, Ifaki , Ilawe and other affected towns for similar visitations, which heightened the impression that the disaster was becoming a recurrent decimal tormenting the populace.
Oyebanji lamented how the rainstorm had pulled down electricity facilities, with residents having no hope of power supply in time soon, describing this as a serious impediment to the growth of the local economy.
“I am worried about the increasing level.of rainstorm and destruction of buildings in our towns in recent times. Most worrisome to me was the rate at which people were being rendered homeless. I am not happy about this.
“As I always said, let us exercise maintenance culture on our buildings before the start of the rainy season. This will go a long way in preventing our buildings from being affected, because when you change the old planks and corrugated sheets, this will help in resisting the storm.
“Planting of tees around residential areas is also a way of preventing this kind of occurrence. The government has been sensitising the people on this and we expect that they must key into this kind of preventive measures.
“Whatever happens, we are not going to abandon our people to suffer. The government will come for the enumeration of affected buildings and give the needed support where necessary”.
Expressing discontentment over the incidence, the Apeju of Ilupeju Ekiti, Oba David Akingbade, who appreciated the visit, called on the government to come to the aid of those affected by the tornado, so that they could rebuild their structures timely.
Another high profile traditional ruler in the council and Attah of Ayede Ekiti, Oba Abdulmumini Orisagbemi, regretted the damage done to buildings and electrical fittings in his community, saying these will automatically affect the economy of his subjects.