DESOPADEC Warns Residents
BY ELOHOR FOGHOLA
THE Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has warned residents of the state to stop building on waterways and indiscriminate dumping of waste in drainages and canals.
This, the Commission said was a way of overcoming the yearly flooding in the state.
The member, representing the Urhobo ethnic nationality on the Board of DESOPADEC, Hon. Sylvester Ovbije gave the charge, weekend, during the inspection tour of on-going dredging/clearing projects by the Commission at Oviri- Agbarho in Ughelli North Local Government Area.
Hon Ovidje explained that obstruction of water channels such as drains, gutters and natural waterways was the main cause of flooding in the state.
He added that, the State government would not take it lightly, particularly with those building structures blocking waterways, which divert rainwater into people’s houses and cause outbreak of diseases.
He disclosed that the State government had set up a task force to ensure that illegal structures on waterways and canals were removed.
He urged residents of the State to use the approved PSP to dispose their waste as well as consult with the appropriate government agencies before acquiring properties in order to avoid building on waterways.
“ I commend the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori who, through our Chairman, Olorogun Barr. John Nani and MD/CEO, Chief Festus Ochonogor directed that all blocked canals and drainages in our mandate areas be de-silted to allow for free flow of water with a view to mitigating the negative impact of the impending flooding in our Communities.” Ovidje said.
Responding, Pastor Stephen Ekohwo, a land lord at Oviri-Agbaroh whose house is close to a canal, thanked DESOPADEC for the intervention, saying, “Flood has been a reoccurring problem on our streets for the past ten years, because the canal that carries water into the river was completely blocked by waste and residents who built their houses on it.
“Residents in the area often relocate due to flooding during the rainy season, but I was surprised to see DESOPADEC dredging the canal yesterday.”
He expressed gratitude to DESOPADEC and the Delta State Government for their outstanding work and urged them to construct additional drainages in Agbaroh.
