Egbo threatens sanctions against those blocking waterways

The Member representing the Isoko ethnic nationality on the Board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Hon. Victor Egbo has warned that individuals responsible for blocking waterways through indiscriminate refuse disposal will face stiff penalties as part of efforts to tackle recurring flooding in Isoko communities.

Hon. Egbo gave the warning Friday June 26, during an inspection of an ongoing flood control project where DESOPADEC is carrying out the annual de-silting and unclogging of drainage channels to ensure the free flow of water ahead of the peak of the rainy season.

He explained that the Commission undertakes the clearing of water channels every year to reduce the impact of flooding, stressing that the success of the intervention depends largely on the cooperation of residents.

According to him, investigations into the persistent flooding in the area revealed that blocked drainage channels, caused by the indiscriminate dumping of refuse, remained the major source of the problem.

“We have repeatedly appealed to residents not to dump refuse into the waterways because it obstructs the free flow of water and causes flooding. Government cannot continue to spend resources clearing drains only for them to be blocked again,” he said.

To address the challenge, Hon. Egbo said DESOPADEC intends to partner with Local Government environmental task force to enforce sanitation regulations. 

He proposed that anyone caught dumping refuse into waterways should bear the cost of hiring a swamp buggy for a day’s clearing operation.

“Those blocking our waterways will be made to pay. If offenders are made to pay for the swamp buggy for one day, it will serve as a deterrent and others will think twice before engaging in such acts,” he stated.

He noted that the Delta State Government has already provided designated dump sites through Private Sector Participants (PSPs), making it unnecessary for residents to dispose waste in drainage channels.

The DESOPADEC Board Member also commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for prioritizing flood control across the State, noting that the Governor had directed that flood control projects be executed simultaneously in the twenty-five Local Government Areas of the State to minimize the impact of seasonal flooding.

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