ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to adopting proactive measures to tackle the menace of flooding in some parts of the State.
Chief John Nani, Commissioner for Environment, gave this assurance recently when he led officials of the ministry on an inspection tour of the mechanical desiltation of opening of natural waterways, clearing and evacuation of blocked drainages in Araya Isoko South Local Government and Agbarho, Ughilli North local Government.
He commended the efficient and effective operations of the officials who handled the work and urged them to sustain the pace of work.
The operation, which took place under downpour, witnessed the clearing of stagnant canals that blocked free flow of water and accommodate dangerous reptiles.
Similarly, the Commissioner and his team, who monitored the mechanical desilting of opening of natural waterways, clearing and evacuation of blocked drainages and creative construction of concrete box culverts and creating of artificial canal for a free flowing water channel in Otefe, Oghara and Jesse, expressed satisfaction with the performance of the officials and advised them to sustain the standard of operation.
Nani stressed that the management of the evacuated debris from the canal and drains was to create a healthy environment for the residents and advised the people to desist from throwing debris into drainages and canal, even as he urged residents in the flood prone area to relocate to upper land to avert unpleasant experience.
The Oghara Youth Leader, Mr Favour Ededy, thanked the Governor who listens to the cry of the people for his approval.
Mr. Justus Okwogba, Araya Community President, said the exercise was a welcome development in the areas as it would enhance the economic well-being of the area and thanked the Governor for his kind gesture.
Chief Moses Idhalama, the Okpohor 1 of Aviara kingdom, appreciated the state government for the opening of natural waterways and the clearing and evacuation of drains, saying that the act would create comfortable atmosphere for business and rid the environment of dangerous reptiles attracted to the area.
