By Obiabin Onukwugha
The Delta State Government has taken concrete steps to curb flood in the state through the execution of prevention projects worth over N15 billion, NatureNews can report.
The projects which are in three phases include; construction and opening of blocked primary, secondary and tertiary drainages and roads in catchment areas and underground sewers in Warri/Effurun and environs in Warri South and as well as Uvwie Local Government Areas of the state.
Also, Ugborikoko, Bendel Estate, Ugboroke, and environs, and Enerhen Community, Igbudu, and Odibo Estate areas, amongst others, have ongoing flood control projects.
During an event to launch the phase three of the project, the Delta State Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza, said the government has approved more than N15 billion for the construction of Phase-Three of flood control measures in Warri/Effurun and environs in Warri South and Uvwie Local Government Areas of the state.
He said phase-three of the flood control measures would cover Airport Road, Ugborikoko, Bendel Estate, Ugboroke, and environs.
“Governor Oborevwori and members of his cabinet were deeply concerned about the hardship that Nigerians and Deltans were facing and had resolved to do everything humanly possible to alleviate the plight of the residents,” Osuoza said.
On his part, the Director-General of Warri Uvwe and Environs Development Agency, Prince Godwin Ejinyere, said Phase-One of the flood control project was already completed, while Phase-Two was “near completion”.
Prince Ejinyere said the agency was planning a “lasting solution” for the flood ravaging the Warri Stadium area.
He hinted that the design work around Enerhen Community, Igbudu, and Odibo Estate was also in progress.
Meanwhile, checks pn preparation of the states in the South- South zone of the country by NatureNews has revealed that the Bayelsa State government is lagging behind, despite that most of the affected are taking preparatory action since after the warning of an impending flood in 31 of the 36 states in the country by the Federal Ministry of Environment.
As at the time of filing this report, the Governor, Duoye Diri, was yet to announce any plans to combat the predicted monster flood.
Those who spoke with our correspondent said nothing was being said as of the moment as the Governor was yet to appoint an Environment Commissioner.
One of the sources said: “For now, nothing is happening about flooding. The state does not have commissioner for environment, the governor only appointed a few commissioners to beat the constitutional provision of the time given to governors to constitute state exco after elections.”