- AS FG Tasks Nigerians On Clearing Canals, Drainages
BY AWELE OGBOGU
IN another proactive step to avert the prediction on imminent flooding, the Delta State Government has moved its attention to the maintenance of dumpsites in a bid to ensure that wastes which could be a causative factor for flooding are collected and evacuated seamlessly.
Speaking on the dumpsites maintenance exercise at the weekend, the Executive Chairman of Delta State Waste Management Board (DSWMB), Hon. Mathew Mofe Edema said needed maintenance work had already been carried out at the government approved dumpsite in Asaba for improved waste evacuation in the state capital and environs and at Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area, adding that the board was moving swiftly to ensure that the heavy rains do not impact on access to dumpsites in the state.
Edema said the the waste management board, in line with the governor’s directive on a waste-free environment, was being proactive in managing wastes in the state, adding that the dumpsites’ maintenance was one of such moves in ensuring that wastes do not contribute to flooding by blocking drainages or waterways.
It would be recalled that in ensuring a cleaner Delta State in line with the MORE Agenda, the Edema-led Waste Management Board has collaborated actively with other critical MDAs in giving the state’s environment a better look.
During the maintenance of the government approved dumpsite in Agbarho, the Member representing Delta Central in the Waste Management Board, Hon. Felix Erhimedafe assured of the commitment of the Edema-led board to promptness in waste collection and evacuation in communities across the state.
He further assured that the Edema-led board was working in line with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s vision to keep Delta clean, thereby attracting investments and general development of the state.
During the exercise, the Chief Environmental Health Officer, Uvwie Zonal office, Comr. Ejiro Oguori-Okodaso, said the pay-loaders were directed on what to do in opening and ensuring maximum access to the dumpsite by PSP operators.
. As FG Tasks Nigerians On Clearing Canals, Drainage, Gutters
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has appealed to Nigerians to clear their canals, drainages and gutters to mitigate floods.
A dam update report by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), yesterday, said the water levels at the nation’s critical stations along the River Benue showed a steady increase towards flood levels.
According to the statement signed by Head Media and Publicity, Lauretta Samuel, as of Saturday, the rise continues but at flood preparedness level.
Samuel urged the twelve flood-prone states earlier warned by NIHSA to put measures in place to contain or allow conveyance.
This is as a recent overflow in the Alau Dam caused the worst flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State, and in the history of Nigeria.