Flood: Delta Commences Desilting Of Major Drains In Asaba

The Delta State government has again commenced opening of blocked drains and other water channels in Asaba and its environs.

The Director-General to the State Governor on Special Programs, Chief Frank Omare said the periodic exercise was part of measures by government to permanently address the issue of flooding in the capital territory.

Chief Omare, a Former Commissioner, Bureau for Special Duties, Housing and Environment in the State, explained that prior to the Asaba Comprehensive Storm Project by the state government, the capital city was usually heavily flooded whenever it rains.

He noted that many residents were rendered homeless and property worth millions of naira were lost to the perennial flooding, stressing that there were lots of public outcry on the ugly development.

Chief Omare said the Comprehensive Storm Project was embarked upon by government to channel water to the near by Anwai River and the Atlantic Ocean whenever it rains as a measure to nip the problem in the bud.

The DG, Special Programs stated that although the project is still ongoing, much has been achieved in that regards as residents no longer experience the perennial flooding.

Frank Omare

Chief Omare said to sustain the gains of the storm project, government had to adopt the periodic opening of the water channels to allow for free flow of water on the drainages at all time.

He disclosed that the ongoing exercise would ensure massive desilting of major drains alone the Okpanam road, Nnebuisi road, DBS road, Mariam Babangida way, High Court road, Inter Bua roundabout, SSS road and all the adjoining streets among others.

The Director General however condemned the attitude of some residents that had turned the drains to dumped sites, saying that every linking points were blocked by the refuse.

While commending the state Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa for sustaining the proactive measures against flooding in Asaba, Okpanam and environs, Chief Omare stressed the need for residents to change their attitude towards environmental sanitation.

He restated the commitment of the state government towards good governance and enhancing quality of lives in the state.