The Kwara State Government would, any moment from now, begin mass demolition of buildings around waterways as part of measures to prevent flooding within Ilorin metropolis.

Already, Daily Trust gathered that over 50 houses blocking drainages have been identified by the Town Planning Development Authority for demolition.

This was part of the government's plan to create better paths for free flow of water and avert the perennial flooding that usually trails rainfall.

Major houses to be affected are those built close to the river banks.

Some areas that would be affected in the first phase of demolition include the houses around Omosebi, Gaa-Akanbi, Pipeline and Royal Shekinah Hotels among others. Similarly, the culvert at the frontage of Royal Shekinah Hotels would be removed.

Some residents of the area have blamed the hotels for preventing free flow of water owing to the culvert built at Atikeke River in Ilorin.

Following last month's flooding which killed three people in Ilorin, the state government set up a Task Force on Flood Control and Prevention to identify areas prone to flood disaster.

DailyTrust correspondent observed that partial demolition of the hotel's culvert has commenced.

Speaking with Daily Trust, the Commissioner for Environment and Forestry, Alhaji Abubakar Mora, confirmed that over 50 houses have been marked for demolition, adding that government was assessing and verifying the worth of the properties with a view to compensating their owners.

"We did assessment, identification and verification of their documents to know those who have genuine documents and those who don't. Then we would try to treat them separately.

He said: "After the verification, we are going to do costing. The housing estate would come with their experts to value the houses for compensation before demolition."