The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged Oyo state citizens to desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse in waterways.

The South West Zonal Coordinator, NEMA, Slaku Lugard who gave the advice while speaking with switch 24 crew on preparations to mitigate the impact of flooding in Oyo state this year, advised residents in flood prone arears to relocate from their houses before the anticipated heavy rainfall in months ahead.

He maintained that structures obstructing waterways have been marked and urged residents to desist from blocking river channels.

Mr. Lugard reiterated that NEMA had warned that 102 local government arears in 28 states of the federation are more prone to flooding this year, stressing that the Oyo state government is already taking proactive steps.

Also speaking, the secretary, Oyo state emergency management agency, Mr. Lukman Arasi, said the Oyo state government in the next few weeks will embark on massive grassroot sensitization.

He cautioned against actions capable of aggravating flooding.

Residents who spoke with switch 24 news crew called for stiffer penalties for those who throw refuse in waterways to serve as a deterrent for others.