Against the backdrop of flood that ravaged some parts of Ilorin, Kwara State capital, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has ordered immediate de-silting of drainages and major roads across the state.

The directive, it was learnt, was to stave off major disaster as experienced in areas susceptible to flooding last year. Residential buildings and shops around riverine areas in the city and rural setting were the most affected in the natural calamity.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Herald in Ilorin yesterday, General Manager, State Roads Maintenance Agency (KWARMA), Engineer Usman Baba Jubril, said the governor had asked the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and his agency to commence immediate palliative intervention.

He noted that the government was disturbed by the incessant flood problem in the state and was addressing it wholistically to reduce the impact on the lives and property of the people.

Jubril added that the governor's directive would also involve public enlightenment on the danger inherent in dumping refuse on drainages.

"We went round the city of Ilorin where we had flood problem, and the governor has directed that, as a first step, the Ministry of Environment in collaboration with KWARMA should start de-silting of major roads and drainages.

"Additionally, we have also been directed to do more sensitization to the public to discourage dumping refuse in the drainages when it rains. The Ministry of Environment is working seriously to commence de-silting any moment from now as directed by the governor", KWARMA GM said.