….De-Silts Drains
BY PATRICK MGBODO
Oshimili South Local Government has consistently demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility by addressing the needs of its constituents, showcasing their commitment to ensuring a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment.
This was recently manifested in its intervention to de-silt drainages on the Ogbeogonogo Ultramodern Market axis of the popular Nnebisi Road in Asaba, the Delta State Capital.
Addressing journalists during the de-siltation exercise, the Acting Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Area and the Head of Personnel Management (HPM) in the Council, Mrs. Chidinma Idao, said the intervention became necessary to allow for the free flow of water and prevent floods in the area.
According to the Acting Local Government Chairman, ‘’I was notified that whenever it rains, these parking spots in the market become too marshy. Ordinarily, if the drains are free, when it rains the water will flow out within a few minutes.
‘’Unfortunately, hours will pass and the place will still be waterlogged. So, the Market Master traced it and discovered that it was because the drains were blocked. He informed me and we decided to open up the drains so that whenever it rains, the market will not be flooded’’ she said.
Mrs Idao added that the initiative would also impact the fight against the cholera outbreak by discouraging breeding grounds for bacteria, viruses and their vectors. She stressed the need for residents of Oshimili South to always keep their environments clean to avoid diseases.
While cautioning the traders to desist from dumping refuse indiscriminately and clogging the drains, the acting chairman said the local government has instituted environmental officers to enforce sanitation in the area.
One of the traders in the market, Mrs Kate Ochei, commended the Oshimili South Local Government for the intervention, even as she recalled that before the intervention, the market used to be flooded whenever it rained.
Similarly, a Keke rider, Mr Ebuka Anekwilo, stressed the need for residents to complement the efforts of the Local Government Council by keeping their environment clean. He also appealed to residents to keep supporting the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
