FLOOD ANALYSIS 

Now the news analysis.

Illegal structures erected on natural waterways and indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainages and canals have been identified as the major causes of flooding and environmental degradation in Delta State.

In today's news analysis, Omonigho Edaah of our reportorial unit underscores the benefits of the flood control measures and environmental sanitation efforts of the Delta State Government.

Roll VCR:

Cue In: Upon his resumption of ...

Cue Out ... benefits for all.

Upon his resumption of office, the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori inspected the storm drainage projects in Warri, Uvwie and their environs, where he expressed great concerns about impending flood if urgent measures were not taken to avert it.

Consequently, the Governor directed the Special Duties Director General to move in fast and remove all illegal structures that were erected on natural waterways. The directive has also been complemented by the Delta State Waste Management Board which has been going round the State to enforce the State Waste Management Law 2004 as amended.

The last time that such concrete measures were taken by the Delta State Government to decisively deal with the perennial flood menace by ensuring strict compliance with the Law was during the then Uduaghan administration.

While some defaulters have perceived the pulling down of structures on waterways and the enforcement of the Waste Management Law as a vendetta mission, others have applauded the government for preventing the environment from being flooded and devastated.

This controversy  notwithstanding, Deltans and other residents of the State must begin to change their attitudes toward the environment by imbibing the habit of waste management and refrain from erecting illegal structures on natural drainage channels in parts of the State.

A situation where residents come out on sanitation days to clear the drains and their surroundings but leave them to be washed back into the gutters is unacceptable and should be totally discontinued.

No doubt, the demolition of illegal structures and enforcement of the Waste Management Law have far reaching benefits for both the people and the environment.

Communities or individuals selling or appropriating lands on natural waterways to land developers should refrain from such acts forthwith or risk being arrested and prosecuted.

The Delta State Government for its part should endeavor to complete the storm drainage projects so that flood water can be channelled into nearby rivers after heavy rains.

It is only when the Govt and the governed play their various parts, that the ongoing flood control measures as well as the environmental sanitation efforts of the Delta State Govt can yield sustainable benefits for all.

That news analysis on the benefits of the flood control measures and environmental sanitation efforts of the Delta State Government, was written written by Omonigho Edaah of our reportorial unit.