Egbo Inspects De - Silting of Olomoro Canal, Advises Residents To Stop Obstructing Free Flow of Waterways

The member representing Isoko ethnic nationality on the Board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Chief Victor Okemena Egbo, has urged residents to keep waterways and drainage channels free of obstruction to curb flooding and protect public infrastructure.

Chief Egbo made the call, Monday 6th July, while inspecting the ongoing flood control intervention project in Olomoro, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.

He said regular clearing of blocked drains and overgrown vegetation would reduce flooding and improve public health in communities.

According to him, blocked drains and neglected waterways impede the free flow of rainwater, leading to flooding that damages homes, roads, businesses and farmlands.

He noted that stagnant water caused by poor drainage creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other disease-causing organisms, increasing the risk of malaria, cholera and other preventable diseases.

Stating that overgrown bushes also pose safety concerns by providing shelter for snakes, rodents and other harmful animals, Chief Egbo called on residents to see environmental sanitation as a shared responsibility, stressing the need to avoid dumping refuse into drains and waterways and to participate in community sanitation activities.

"Drainage channels must remain free from obstruction throughout the year to reduce flooding and protect lives and property," he said.

While reiterating the fact that opening of the waterways would improve water flow, preserve roads and public infrastructure, support farming activities and reduce the impact of seasonal flooding, Chief Egbo commended Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori for prioritising environmental sustainability and infrastructure development under the MORE Agenda, and praised the DESOPADEC Board and Management for implementing development projects in oil-producing communities.

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