Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission has warned residents

against building structures on waterways and dumping waste in drainages.

This is coming in the Commission’s ongoing efforts to effectively tackle the recurring

flood challenges in the state. In a statement issued on Monday by the DESOPADEC

Board Member, representing Urhobo ethnic nationality, Sylvester Ovbije, during an

inspection tour of ongoing dredging and clearing projects at Oviri Agbarho in Ughelli

North Local Government Area.

DESOPADEC’s initiative is part of the Delta State plan to mitigate the effects of

flooding and protect communities from the devastating impacts that come with it.

The DESOPADEC Board member urged residents to use the approved private sector

participation waste disposal systems and to consult relevant government agencies

before purchasing land to avoid building across waterways. He noted that the

“government will no longer tolerate the construction of illegal structures that block

waterways, causing rainwater to flood homes and contributing to the spread of

diseases” He also revealed that a state task force has been established to remove

such structures and enforce compliance with regulations.

Ovbije praised the Delta State Government, under the leadership of Governor Sheriff

Oborevwori, for initiating desilting operations through DESOPADEC to clear blocked

canals and allow for free water flow in anticipation of heavy rains.