By My Engineers
Professor Samson Olakunle Ojoawo, a civil engineering expert at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, has called on authorities to prioritize environmental sustainability and infrastructure development in the city to mitigate the escalating risks of flooding and sanitation crises.
He made the call while featuring on a radio programme “Ogbomoso La wa” sponsored by The Akogun of Ogbomosoland, Chief (Dr). Air Vice Marshal Jacob Adigun (rtd) and Associates, and anchored by Soji Abiojela.
Speaking on the topic, “Flood control in Ogbomosoland: an Engineering perspective,” he highlighted the causes of flooding and control measures that could be deployed to tackle the menace, from the angle of engineering. He also spoken on the importance of proper sanitation in the city, emphasizing its direct correlation with public health and overall quality of life.
He cited a recent report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, which revealed that only 5 of the 36 states of the federation are not prone to flooding, He added that the remaining five are not completely free of flooding. So far, “over 1.2m people have been affected by flooding resulting in losses of houses and properties while 300 lives have been lost, this year alone.”
Ojoawo categorized flooding into three distinct types: indoor, outdoor, and neighborhood flooding. He explained that neighborhood flooding, often the most devastating, is primarily caused by obstructed streams and rivers, as well as inadequate drainage systems.
According to him, flooding negatively impacts all four components of the environment: hydrosphere (water and aquatic sources), atmosphere (sky, cloud, air), biosphere (living things: plants and animals), and lithosphere (soil, rock, mountain).
He pointed out that nine of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are directly affected by flooding. He listed these as Goals numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 11, 14 and 15, which respectively are no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well being, quality education, clean water and sanitation, decent work and economic growth, sustainable cities and communities, life in water and life on land.
Professor Ojoawo emphasized the urgent need for government intervention to address the flooding crisis in Ogbomoso. He recalled recent flooding recorded in some areas in the cities. Saying that “we can’t fold our arms,”
He further highlighted the two main control measures of flooding which are non-structural and structural engineering solutions.
Non-structural measures, according to him, include advocacy, public awareness campaigns, and government policies, such as creating buffer zones and green areas.
Structural engineering solutions, on the other hand, involve physical interventions like channelization, dam construction, and embankment building. He stressed the importance of proper drainage design, feasibility studies, catchment area analysis, material selection, and flow continuity. He emphasized the need for regular maintenance of existing drainage systems to prevent clogging and ensure effective water flow.
In order to get these right, Ojoawo said that professionals should always be engaged when contemplating constructing and maintaining drainage or any engineering structure.
On sanitation, Ojoawo drew attention to the negative impacts of influx of articulated vehicles and the activities of the occupants who are in large numbers. With no convenience, they litter the environment with human wastes both organic and inorganic. All of which found their way into culverts and drainage channels during heavy downpour. This subsequently lead to obstruction of water and consequently contributed to flooding. He urged relevant authorities to address the problem to avert possible outbreak of diseases and environmental degradation.
By prioritizing environmental sustainability and implementing effective flood control measures, he said that Ogbomoso can mitigate the risks associated with flooding and improve the overall well-being of its citizens and address this pressing environmental challenge.