- Oghenesivbe Urges Residents
- EU Supports Nigeria, Five Others With €5.4m Flood Fund
BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU WITH AGENCY REPORT
The Director-General of the Delta State Orientation and Communication Bureau (DSOCB), Dr. Fred Oghenesivbe has called on residents to take proactive measures in preventing potential flooding incidents.
Oghenesivbe gave the advice during a media chat in his office, yesterday, where he called for urgent action to prevent flooding as predicted to be severe.
According to him, Deltans need to be informed about the incremental release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, which has already caused devastating effects in some parts of the country.
He, therefore, appealed to residents living in riverine and coastal belts to relocate to higher grounds for their safety, assuring that provisions would be made to care for those who may be displaced.
“This interface is necessary at this point in time,” he said. “The information from relevant Federal Agencies indicates that Delta State is also a high-risk area for flooding, and it requires our collective efforts to spread the message to Deltans to avoid a potential disaster.” He urged residents to clear their drainages and dispose of waste in designated areas to reduce the risk of a possible severe flooding. With the rainy season in full swing, Oghenesivbe stressed that, improper waste management and blocked drainages could have disastrous consequences for communities across the state. “The magnitude of flooding we may face if we don’t take preventive steps is something we cannot afford to ignore,” Dr. Oghenesivbe warned.
“I am appealing to all Deltans to act responsibly by keeping their environment clean and clearing up the drainages.” He highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Delta State Government to mitigate flooding through public awareness campaigns, construction of tents, distribution of relief materials, and provision of medical care and access to quality education, especially in flood-prone areas like Burutu, Bomadi, Patani, Ozoro, Otu Jeremi, Warri-North, Asaba, and other affected regions. He added that, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) is collaborating with local government chairpersons, flood committee members, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to ensure flood control measures are implemented swiftly.
While appealing to residents to take proactive measures, he urged local leaders and community groups to support the government’s efforts by promoting proper waste disposal and drainage clearing practices at the grassroots level.
…. EU Supports Nigeria, Five Others With €5.4 Million
Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) has said that it supported Nigeria and five other Sahel countries affected by flood with 5.4 million Euros.
In a statement issued by the bloc and made available to newsmen in Abuja yesterday, the other countries that benefitted are Chad, Niger, Cameroon, Mali and Burkina Faso
The bloc noted that the fund was meant to assist the more than 4.4 million people estimated to be affected by flood in the countries. “Floods have led to the destruction of houses, public health facilities, water systems, schools and sanitation facilities as well as roads, infrastructures, and agricultural areas. “Moreover, the lack of access to water, hygiene, and sanitation services is increasing the risk of spreading of waterborne diseases. “This funding will help our humanitarian partners on the ground, to provide immediate aid and respond to the most urgent needs concerning food, shelter, access to clean water and sanitation and other essential services in the hardest-hit areas. “The amount will be distributed as follows: Chad one million Euro; Niger 1.350 million Euro; Nigeria 1.1 million Euro; Mali one million Euro and Cameroon 650,000 Euro and Burkina Faso 300,000 Euro. “The funding comes in addition to 232 million Euro in humanitarian assistance already allocated to these countries so far this year.
“The EU and its partners had already responded to the immediate consequences of floods in Liberia, Guinea, Chad, Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Mali,’’ the bloc said.
In the statement, Mr JanezLenarčič, the Commissioner for Crisis Management was quoted to have said: “Excessive rainfalls had lashed the Sahel and Lake Chad regions with unprecedented impact, displacing millions and causing widespread suffering and damage.
“We are mobilising all means at our disposal to help the most vulnerable in the flood-stricken countries, so they can receive much needed relief’’. (NAN)
