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By Festus Ahon
ASABA—DETERMINED to address the perennial flooding problem in the state, Delta State Government has deployed swamp buggies and other heavy duty equipment to the Asaba capital territory to clear blocked natural water canals and drainages.
Speaking to newsmen while supervising the clearing the blocked natural water canal with the swamp buggies in the metropolis, Director-General, Special Programmes to the state governor, Chief Frank Omare, said the efforts of government were yielding results.
Omare said: “As a result of the activities of the heavy duty equipment, the DBS Road has been temporary blocked to traffic. The low lands in Asaba have been identified.
“The volume of water whenever it rains from Maryam Babangida Road, NTA Asaba area and WAEC Road has always resulted in heavy flooding in DBS Asaba premises, DDPA Estate and the Old Secretariat, hence the move to clear and excavate the canal for easy flow of water.
“Government has the capacity and authority to pull down any structure standing on natural water ways. But because times are hard, it has been looking at the best ways to achieve results in tackling the flood.”
The activities of my office in clearing blocked natural water canals and drainage systems on major roads is discomforting to people. But we have to do it to save lives and property. “I therefore, appeal for understanding as government is totally committed in tackling the flooding challenges headlong. Flooding is a major national issue which should be given national prominence without any political connotation.”
The Director General disclosed that the state Ministry of Works has intensified efforts in constructing drainages to channel flood to the nearby Anwai river, emphasising that the volume of work could only be done with heavy duty equipment.
Omare said all parts of Asaba and Okpanam were being addressed as the heavier rains had been predicted to come in August and September.
