Ondo Government Approves Flood Mapping, N3.5bn Counterpart Funding for Rural Roads

The Ondo State Government has approved a comprehensive flood mapping initiative across the state and a N3.5 billion counterpart fund to support rural road development in partnership with federal agencies and international donors. The decisions were reached during the recent State Executive Council meeting as part of a broader effort to boost infrastructure and disaster preparedness.

The flood mapping project aims to identify vulnerable flood-prone areas in the state, particularly in communities along riverbanks and low-lying terrains. The initiative is expected to enable better planning and targeted interventions during the rainy season, which often leaves many communities cut off or severely impacted by rising waters.

Commissioner for Environment, Oyeniyi Oseni, disclosed that the mapping would involve the deployment of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and satellite imagery to create a real-time flood risk atlas for the state. “With climate change intensifying, this project is vital to ensure Ondo State has the tools to anticipate and mitigate the devastating impacts of seasonal flooding,” he said.

In addition to the environmental initiative, the council also approved the release of N3.5 billion as the state’s counterpart funding for rural road development under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), a joint programme supported by the World Bank, the French Development Agency (AFD), and the federal government. The project aims to open up rural areas by providing access roads that link farming communities to markets and urban centers.

According to Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Raimi Aminu, the funding would fast-track the rehabilitation and construction of strategic rural roads across the state’s three senatorial districts. “This counterpart contribution is a bold step to unlock further resources from donor agencies and accelerate progress in our rural infrastructure,” he said.

The initiative is also expected to improve agricultural productivity and reduce post-harvest losses by making it easier for farmers to transport their produce. Many communities in Ondo’s hinterlands currently suffer from poor access, limiting their economic potential and deterring private sector investments.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa emphasized that the dual approval reflects his administration’s commitment to rural development and proactive disaster management. He said the state would continue to align with global best practices in environmental planning and infrastructure delivery.

Meanwhile, the government has called on local contractors and engineers to prepare for upcoming bidding opportunities under the RAAMP initiative. Officials also disclosed that priority will be given to projects that can demonstrate significant social and economic impacts for rural dwellers.

Stakeholders in the environment and agricultural sectors have praised the state’s proactive approach, saying it signals a clear understanding of the interdependence between infrastructure and resilience. Experts believe that flood mapping combined with rural access roads could significantly reduce economic disruption and enhance community well-being during extreme weather events.

 

As the projects progress, the government has pledged transparency and adherence to due process, assuring citizens that value-for-money audits and public accountability mechanisms will be strictly enforced.

The state government also plans to involve local communities in both initiatives to ensure sustainability and ownership. According to officials, community-based monitoring teams will be trained to track the implementation of the rural roads and flood control projects, report anomalies, and provide feedback on the efficiency of contractors and agencies involved. This participatory approach, the government says, will enhance transparency and foster a sense of responsibility among residents.

Looking ahead, the Ondo State Government reiterated its commitment to seeking further collaborations with international partners, particularly in climate resilience and infrastructure development. Governor Aiyedatiwa assured that with strategic planning, proper funding, and stakeholder engagement, Ondo will not only tackle recurring challenges like flooding and rural isolation but will also position itself as a model for sustainable development across Nigeria.