ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Bureau for Communications and Orientation has assured the public that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is committed to combating flooding in the state. This will be achieved through the construction of additional underground rainwater tunnels and expansive drainage systems across all three senatorial districts.
In a statement released on Friday by the Bureau’s Director General, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, he highlighted the devastation caused by the unexpected torrential rain on Wednesday, which lasted several hours. The downpour wreaked havoc in various parts of the state, leading to significant property damage, including the destruction of vehicles.
Dr. Oghenesivbe extended his sympathies to the victims of the flooding, particularly in Ika South, with a focus on Agbor and other affected communities. He urged road users and motorists to avoid wading through floodwaters, stressing the risks of navigating through moving water, which can easily sweep away vehicles, regardless of their size or the number of passengers.
Assuring the public of the state government’s commitment, the Bureau Chief emphasized that Governor Oborevwori would continue to leverage available resources to minimize flooding across Delta State. This will include the ongoing construction of additional drainage systems, particularly underground rainwater tunnels in strategic locations within the three senatorial districts.
Dr. Oghenesivbe further explained that the impact of the recent flooding in Agbor and other areas would have been far worse if not for the underground rainwater tunnels already installed in Ika South, Ika North East, and other parts of the state. He also disclosed that, as the rainy season approaches, the Bureau will launch a statewide sensitization campaign to educate residents on precautionary measures to mitigate the devastating effects of flooding.
“The Bureau for Communications and Orientation expresses its deepest sympathies with those affected by the recent flooding in Agbor and other parts of the state,” the statement read. “Our responsibility is to educate our people on how to protect themselves and their properties from flooding. A statewide campaign will begin as soon as possible.”
The Bureau also urged residents to avoid dumping refuse in water channels and other rainwater right-of-ways, which have been constructed with public funds to prevent flooding.
