The World Bank’s Understanding Risk Global Forum brought together experts and practitioners to discuss “Making Urban Flood Protection Accessible: Decoding Risks and Democratizing Assessment.” The event featured a presentation on Oyo State’s Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project (IUFMP), a World Bank-facilitated initiative aimed at bolstering flood resilience.A discussant at the forum, Governor Seyi Makinde shared insights from Oyo State’s proactive measures to mitigate flooding risks through the IUFMP. Highlighting the project’s achievements and key learnings, [Your Name] emphasized the importance of replicating such initiatives to enhance urban flood protection in other regions.
The forum’s location in Himeji was particularly significant as Japan prepares to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake. This setting underscored the ongoing necessity for robust disaster risk management.
The IUFMP, slated for completion on June 28, 2024, has successfully met 90% of its objectives, including:
1. Reconstruction of Eleyele Dam: Originally built in 1942, the dam now boasts a capacity of 7 million cubic meters.
2. Construction of 40 Hydraulic Structures: Enhancing flood control and water management across the city.
3. Completion of 29 km of River Channelization: Ensuring better water flow and reducing flood risks.
4. Dredging of 455 km of Waterways: Improving drainage and preventing water stagnation.
5. Development of Three Masterplans:
• Ibadan City Masterplan (2019)
• Ibadan Drainage and Flooding Management Master Plan (2019)
• Ibadan Solid Waste Management Masterplan (2024)
6. Implementation of a Flood Early Warning System (FEWS): The first fully automated system of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa, providing timely alerts to mitigate flood impact.
7. Preparation of an Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP): Ensuring readiness for emergencies related to the Eleyele Dam and downstream areas.
The IUFMP’s success demonstrates the efficacy of comprehensive flood management strategies and highlights the critical role of community engagement and sustainable planning. As urban areas continue to grow and face climate-related challenges, the insights and frameworks from the IUFMP offer valuable guidance for other regions aiming to enhance their flood resilience.
For more updates and detailed coverage on urban flood management and disaster risk reduction, stay tuned to www.1stafrika.com
