DTSG Intensifies Clearing Of Canals Ti Tackle Flooding

By Elohor Foghola

As part of efforts to actualise its promise to sustain a flood-free State, the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC in partnership with the Ministry of Environment has stepped up dredging/cleaning of major drainage channels and canals to prevent flooding across the state

The Chairman, Chief John Nani, the Managing Director of DESOPADEC Chief Festus Ochonoghor and the Commissioner for Environment, Hon Ejiro Jamani yesterday went on an inspection tour to the project site in Warri South and Okpe Local Government areas of the state.

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Addressing newsmen after the tour, Chief Nani revealed the State Governor’s plan to control flooding in the state, saying “In line with the MORE Agenda, the Governor, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori in his proactive nature has directed the opening of all waterways and canals to prevent flooding in the state.

“The Governor does not want anyone to experience flooding in the state hence we have deployed over 9 swamp buggies working simultaneously across the state to clear and open up blocked canals,” he said.

The Chairman appealed to all residents to ensure they protect the canals and drains by properly disposing off their refuse and not dumping it into the canals.

Also speaking, the Managing Director and CEO of DESOPADEC, Chief Festus Ochonoghor stated that the flooded areas identified last year will be tackled this year to address the problems of flooding in Delta State.

Adding that what is being done here in Warri South and Okpe Local Government will be replicated simultaneously in Sapele, Isoko, Ika, Bomadi Ndokwa and other flood prone areas in the oil-bearing communities.

“The government is committed to cleaning the system to ensure it functions properly throughout the year, he said.

The Commissioner for Environment, Hon Ejiro Jamani stated that the Ministry of Environment is adhering to the Governor’s commitment to environmental sustainability, made during his campaign promises last year.

We have been sensitizing the public on various ways to preserve and protect our environment, the indiscriminate dumping of waste into canals and drainages must stop, we have only one earth, we must care for it, he said.

He appealed to all stakeholders to partner with the government to ensure the environment stays clean and protected from environmental pollution.