The reconstruction of Eleyele Dam to prevent perennial flood risk of Ibadan, will cost $12m.
Oyo state Government recently handed over the contract to Messrs CGC-CHWE JV
Engineer Stephen Adeniji while responding to questions from journalists at the site on Thursday said rehabilitation if completed will not only make water available for people but will also prevent flooding.
The reconstruction work is part of the deliverables of the Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project (IUFMP), a special purpose organ set up by the Senator Abiola Ajimobi-led Oyo State Government, with funding support from the World Bank, to address all issues pertaining to flooding in Ibadan, in the aftermath of the August 26, 2011 devastating flood in the city. The Eleyele Dam was one of the major hydrological devices that were ravaged by the 2011 flood.
The scope of reconstruction work to be done on the Eleyele Dam, which was originally built in 1946, includes rehabilitation of the spillway weir; rehabilitation of the spillway channel to Ologuneru Bridge; rehabilitation and raising of the existing embankment by about 1.8 meters; and rehabilitation of the intake tower, scour channel and scour tunnel.
Apart from Rehabilitation of Eleyele Dam, IUFMP has also completed four priority projects in Ibadan and awaits approval of 13 more projects which will help in controlling and reducing the impact of flood in the state capital .
The completed projects includes, Sasa Osajin,, Olaadua, Cele Rainbow and Ogbere Pegba.
Adeniji said further that “ The designs for the 13 projects are ready and the contractors have been recommended and work will commence as soon as it is approved by the bank”.
While speaking with journalists at the end of the 3 days workshop organized for the media in Oyo, IUFMP Project Coordinator Mr Dayo Ayorinde said, the agency taking necessary steps to ensure that another flood disaster is averted.
Ayode said further that the drainage master plan of Ibadan has already been designed effort is going on to implement it for free flow of water without causing any problems in the flood prone area.
While urging the media to sensitize the public on the need to stop dumping of refuse and construction of building on waterways , Ayorinde said the agency is working with appropriate authority to continue to sensitize the public on the need to coroporate with the government in preventing flood.
