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A development expert and Coordinator of the Global Development Initiative (GNI), Engr. Ale, has called on the Ekiti State Government to seek intervention from the federal government and the World Bank to address recurring flooding in parts of the state.

Ale, who also has experience in water resources management, made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday following reports of deaths and property damage associated with heavy rainfall and flooding in parts of Ekiti State.

He urged the state government to assemble experts from tertiary institutions and relevant professional bodies to develop a comprehensive proposal on flood management and seek technical and financial support for its implementation.

According to him, the recurring nature of flooding in parts of the state requires a long-term institutional response rather than measures taken only during the rainy season.

“Flood is a global issue and all countries must be prepared to handle it well. When there is development in a community, there is a need for a development master plan which would make it possible for people not to experience challenges when it is raining,” he said.

Ale said such planning should cover drainage systems, land use, waste management and public awareness, among other measures.

He also called for improved early-warning systems and public education, arguing that information on impending heavy rainfall and possible flooding should reach residents early enough for them to take precautions.

While acknowledging the importance of weather forecasting, he said forecasts should be accompanied by practical guidance on how residents could respond to flood warnings.

Ale also referenced previous interventions in other parts of the country, including Ibadan, as examples that could be studied by the Ekiti State Government in developing a comprehensive flood-control programme.

He urged the state government to engage the federal government and development partners, including the World Bank, on possible support for drainage, flood-control infrastructure and other measures.

“Ekiti State can do the same. We should not just forecast, but let us ask for meaningful intervention,” he said.

The development expert also called for stronger building-control measures to prevent construction on waterways and other areas prone to flooding.

He urged residents to avoid attempting to cross flooded roads, bridges and waterways during heavy rainfall, saying they should wait for floodwaters to recede before travelling through affected areas.

Ale further advocated the implementation of the state’s long-term development plan, particularly provisions relating to flood control, urban development and environmental management.

He said there should also be regular monitoring of the implementation of such plans, with relevant government agencies reporting on the progress of flood-control measures.

According to him, annual desilting and maintenance of major drainage channels and waterways should form part of a structured flood-management programme.

He also called for stronger coordination among agencies responsible for urban planning, waste management, emergency response and environmental protection.

Ale said the state could consider legislation and institutional arrangements that would establish clear responsibilities for flood prevention, including development control, drainage maintenance and emergency preparedness.

He urged the government to explore funding and technical partnerships with development institutions for a multi-year flood-resilience programme rather than relying solely on annual budgetary provisions.

The expert expressed sympathy to families affected by the recent flooding and urged residents to exercise caution during periods of heavy rainfall.

He said the recurring nature of flooding in some communities made it necessary for the state to move from emergency responses to sustained planning, infrastructure development and enforcement.

“The major thing is for our state government to urgently reach out to the World Bank and the federal government to assist on this issue,” he said.

He added that residents, government agencies, civil society organisations and development partners all had roles to play in reducing the risks associated with flooding.

Ale’s recommendations come amid renewed concerns over flooding in parts of Ado-Ekiti and other areas of the state following heavy rainfall, with calls for stronger preventive measures and improved emergency response.