A Case for Disaster response and Urban Regeneration Agency in Ondo State experiences from Turkiye
By Osunsanmi Gbolabo Fnitp
His Excellency Hon. Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa our dear Governor need to kindly consider the setting up of an efficient agency to respond appropriately to disasters and to address the current Urban blight in our Cities in Ondo State.
On February 6 2023 2 different earthquakes struck 11 provinces in Turkey within a space of 9 hours interval, 14 million people were affected. 500,000 houses destroyed and above 50, 000 people perished.
After the unfortunate natural disaster. The Govt promised the re building of the destroyed houses and communities by design and approval to rebuild 650, 000 houses.
On 6th of February 2024 exactly a year after being the first Anniversary the Government was able to restore the communities with distribution of keys of already completed 46,000 brand new homes to victims of the earthquake just a year after with a promise to fast track the completion of the remaining homes as promised.
Disaster simply means a sudden accident or a natural catastrophe that causes damage or loss of life.
Thus it could be an earthquake, flooding or even a fire disaster but in Ondo State we have had several incidents in the past that only attracted media attention and at best distribution of relief materials usually from the office of the commissioner for special duties, leaving the victims to suffer and restore themselves by themselves.
*What experiences can we learn from Turkiye?*
The Govt of turkey utilized systematic approaches to bounce back and restored confidence of the people.
The Engineers found culpable were prosecuted and punished.
The people were given appropriate succor through instant relocation and provision of temporary shelters to reduce the trauma the people went through.
The immediate preparation of rebuilding plans and implementation of the the construction by competent Professionals.
And delivery of the promised permanent homes under the timelines set by the national and regional governments.
In Ondo State how do we suppose to handle disasters especially common ones which occur frequently yearly…. Rainstorms and fire disasters as well as urban decay in our town centers.?
As a professional I humbly suggest the establishment and funding of Disaster and Urban Regeneration Agency to strictly address emergency issues, plan and implement restoration plans as well as developing strategies to regenerate our decaying cities neighborhoods. .
Notable places that require Urban Regeneration in Ondo State are;
Akure core Area
Shaha neighborhood
Odopetu community
Ikare central Area.
Ore residential areas
Owo traditional areas
Igbokoda traditional Central Areas
Ayetoro Town in Ilaje local Government
The only way to meaningful development under the current economic distress are well prepared Plans and implementation of same under a well defined Agency.
Osunsanmi Gbolabo Fnitp
Opinion January 8 , 2024.
