Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has said his administration would commence work to check perennial flooding in Effurun/Warri and its environs this dry season.

Governor Okowa gave the assurance on Thursdayin Asaba while receiving the preliminary report of the Committee to Study and Advise Government on Measures to Tackle Flooding in Effurun/Warri and Environs.

Governor Okowa commended the Committee for carrying out their functions within stipulated period. He disclosed that the issue of checking flooding in Effurun/Warri and environs was raised during a townhall meeting where he promised to proffer lasting solution to the challenges.

The Governor said: “It is glaring that the poor sanitary habits of our communities and the poor maintenance culture of governments, both local and state to attend to drainage channels have contributed to the perennial flooding in these areas, but, with the submission of the report, we will take necessary steps to proffer lasting solution to the flooding of Effurun/Warri and environs.”

“The issue of flooding in Effurun/Warri and environs was raised at one of the town hall meetings and I did promise that we will set up a committee to study the challenges and it is gratifying that we have received the report today. The half hazard approach used in the past was not sustainable and did not solve the flooding problems, hence, this study,” he added.

Governor Okowa assured members of the committee of quick implementation of the report, noting that his administration is committed to its promise to deflood Effurun/Warri and environs.

Chairman of the Committee, Chief James Augoye, disclosed that the Committee was inaugurated in the month of July 2018 and inspected 101 flood -prone areas and 13 natural water courses, noting that while the waterways overgrown with weeds and turned to refuse dumps, drains were filled with silt, among other impediments to free flow of water.

•Photo by Jibunor Samuel shows Governor Ifeanyi Okowa (middle); Secretary to State Government, Hon. Ovie Agas (2nd left); Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye (left); Commissioner for Environment, Hon. John Nani (right); Chief Ben Okumagba (2nd right) and Others, during the Preliminary of the Committee to Study and Advise Government on Measures Required to Tackle and Control Flooding in Effurun/Warri and its Environs in Delta State.

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