To check the problem of flooding to the persistent rain and blockage of drainage channels, residents of Ughelli metropolis have been charged to stop dumping waste indiscriminately.
The charge was made by the Managing Director Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC Chief Festus Ochonogor while inspecting ongoing cleaning of drains and water ways in Ughelli North local Government Area of Delta State .
Since the rain started pounding this year, residents of Ughelli metropolis in several areas have had to endure flooding in their neighborhoods.
Investigations, showed that drainage channels are blocked in several areas requiring urgent action to ensure free flow of water and avert avoidable natural diaster
Prompted by the State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC stepped in to avert what may have turned out to be a major flood devastation across the city.
To this end, the Managing Director of DESOPADEC , Chief Festus Ochonogor accompanied by the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Chief Talib Tebite and the commissioner representing Ughelli North and Ughelli South,
Mr Sylvester Obvije,
amongst others rolled up their sleeves to access the level of work being done to keep Ughelli free of flooding.
They observed the special clean up of drains and Canals in Otovwodo, Ughelli main town and other communities and were not happy that much of the waste generated in the area ended up in drainage channels.
Chief Ochonogor said the special desilting of drainages and the opening of blocked canals would make life bearable for residents of the affected area this rainy season .
He enjoined residents and traders at Otovwodo market to stop dumping waste in the drainages warning that anyone caught would be dealt with.
He expressed satisfaction with the work done so far by staff of the commission and the Ministry of Environment team led by the Director Sanitation and wastes Mrs Francisca Atigan and urged them to ensure that all the major drains are opened to allow free flow of water to the nearby river.
At Shopfair opposite Isoko garage, Chief Ochonogor assured the Otovwodo community President General that the blocked drains and canal would be opened to enable water flow freely.
He said structures blocking natural waterways would be brought down.
