The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo has threatened to demolish houses and properties built in the Government Reservation Areas in Benin City.

Ekwutosblog reports that the Governor, however, assured that compensation would be paid to property owners with verified documents by the government while others would be relocated to safe areas.

“Private and commercial houses built along waterways will be demolished to pave the way for proper surface and underground drainages, especially in Government Reservation Areas in Benin City.

“Property owners with verified documents will be compensated by the government, while others will be relocated to safe areas”, he said.

Okpebholo gave the hint in Benin City while announcing the engagement of a team of environmental and hydrology experts to understudy the perennial flooding challenges confronting the state, particularly the capital.

He said the technical team from four companies have been hired to conduct comprehensive feasibility studies and environmental assessments aimed at designing a permanent and sustainable solution to Benin City’s flood problem.

He added that the planned multifaceted flood control project across the state capital would commence after the heavy rains, and the project would be completed in no distant time.

The Governor explained that the study would be after the Akwa Ibom and Rivers States’ models, which had transformed the states most flood-prone areas with efficient flood management systems.

“With the rainy season already tilting towards its peak, the timing of the exercise is strategic. It will provide the experts with a unique opportunity to observe and assess the true extent of flooding in real time across Benin City and other vulnerable parts of the state.

“The focus will be on understanding the terrain, existing drainage infrastructure, and recurring flashpoints of overflow and erosion.

“Their findings and recommendations will be submitted to the Governor for thorough evaluation and subsequent implementation.

“There will be zero tolerance for corruption or cosmetic solutions. Every kobo earmarked for the projects will be accounted for and directed solely toward its intended purpose which is the protection of lives, properties, and the environment.

“The government remains unwavering to make Benin City and its environs more resilient, livable, and economically viable. This bold intervention is part of the government broader development agenda to reposition Edo State as a model of modern urban infrastructure and environmental planning in Nigeria.

“The era of seasonal flooding, paralyzing communities, and threatening livelihoods in Edo is coming to an end”, he added.

He added that the administration is taking firm steps to deliver a future where residents would no longer live in fear each time it rains, and look forward to a new lease of life marked by proactive leadership and responsive governance.

Okpebholo posited that the government is committed to ensuring that the process is neither cosmetic nor politicized but rather driven by empirical data and genuine concern for the safety and wellbeing of Edo residents.