By Elohor Foghola
AS part of its flood control measures, the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has continued its intensive clearing and dredging of canals drainages and has waterways across the state to ensure a flood free Delta
The Commissioner representing Ndokwa Nationality on the Board of DESOPADEC, Dr. Charles Olisa inspected the ongoing project at Beneku internal road drains, Ashaka internal road drains, Aboh internal road drains, and Kwale internal road drains in Ndokwa East Local Government Area.
Apart from Ndokwa East, intensive cleanup of clogged drains and canals had commenced at Utagba Ogbe Secondary School, Kwale; Udaka street, opposite Utagba Ogbe, Secondary School; Ipo street to Apa road, Umusadege Kwale; Afia- Eze road to Pontu and Ughelli-Kwale express way in Ndokwa West.
Dr. Olisa pointed out that the unclogging of canals and drainages will ameliorate the difficulties encountered in flood prone areas during the rainy season as well as save lives and properties.
He also emphasized the need for community leaders to re-orientate their people on sustainable waste management practices and warned against unlawful dumping of waste in drainages that could block the water control structures in our communities.
He assured the public that DESOPADEC, led by Nani/Ochonogor, was dedicated to the State Governor’s goal of achieving a flood-free Delta.
Earlier the team led by the Commissioner representing Isoko nationality on the Board of DESOPADEC, Chief Victor Egbo visited the ongoing work site behind Mechanic Village, Oleh in Isoko South Local Government Area.
Chief Victor said that the Commission is interested in policy consistency, which is why maintenance of the canals is important to avoid reoccurrence of flooding in Isoko.
“The trajectory of the canal stretches from back of the Mechanic Village, Oleh to Olomoro bridge, lyede, down to Patani river and the canal carrying water from other communities like Ozoro, Irri, Aviara and Idheze,” Egbo said.
In Oleh, Chief Isaac Omoyero, a resident near the canal commended the Commission’s efforts to continue maintenance of the canal in the community saying it will go a long way to reduce the destructive effect of perennial flooding in the community.
Also in the Executive Chairman of Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Bright Abeke commended the state Governor and DESOPADEC for their timely intervention in curbing flooding in the area
He said “We are all aware of the ravaging effects of perennial flooding occasioned by indiscriminate disposal of waste by residents, building on water channels amongst others.
This effort will ease free flow and prevent flood water from entering residential buildings, thereby taking away a huge burden from the Council.” he said.
Chief Abeke therefore urged residents to stop encroaching on canal right of way, and indiscriminate disposal of waste, stating that punitive actions will be taken against anyone caught in the act.
