FLOODING: DELTA GOVT ALERTS RESIDENTS, ADVISES ON PROACTIVE STEPS

The Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, has reeled out some measures to residents of the state in order to prevent flooding, and protect lives and property.

The Bureau’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, in a Mid-News interview with News Central Television via DSTV Channel 422 on Saturday, advised residents to comply with the directive and take proactive steps.

He emphasized the urgent need for residents to clean their compounds thoroughly, swiff off electrical appliances in foreseeable flood prone areas and pay attention to government and stakeholders useful tips on flooding via traditional and social media platforms.

He urged parents and care fivers to of a necessity move property and other valuables from flood plains, assist People With Disabilities (PWD), the elderly and children from homes and shelters perceived to be unsafe for habitation as torrential rain continue to wreck havoc across the country, and some parts of the state.

Dr Oghenesivbe further disclosed that the State Government has concluded arrangements for temporary IDP camps in designated areas across the three senatorial districts for those likely to be affected, as well as residents already affected by the floods, as directed by the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori.

He identified some of the flood flashpoints to include; Oshimili South, Oshimili North, Aniocha South, Ndokwa West, Ethiope West, Isoko North, Warri South West, Warri South, Ughelli North, Patani, Burutu local government areas among others, assuring that relief materials shall be distributed to flood victims through the Flood Diaster Management Committee and other stakeholders.

“All stakeholders; including the State Flood Diaster Management Committee chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Ministry of Environment and that of Health, National Emergency Management Agency, State Waste Management Board, the State Taskforce on Environment, and State Emergency Management Agency have commenced sensitization campaigns on proactive steps to be taken by residents at this time of flooding in some parts of the state.

“Parents and care givers are strongly advised to relocate children, People With Disabilities, senior citizens with health challenges and valuable property to upper land.

“SSG Emu is leading a team of very senior government officials under the State Flood Diaster Management Committee to ensure swift response to flood cases, provide relief materials, and arrange temporary IDP CAMPS for affected residents.

“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, is not leaving any stone unturned in this regard, which is why we are confident that much success will be achieved as torrential rain continue to dazzle some parts of the state.

“We advise residents to clear drainage channels in and around their premises, dump refuse to PSP designated disposal points, and to also subscribe and pay for PDP services.

“The State Environment Taskforce under the able Chairmanship of the former Commissioner for Environment, Chief Godspower Asiuwhu, has governor Oborevwori’s firm instructions to enforce compliance in all ramifications, while defaulters shall be prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others.

“The best thing to do at this time is for residents to partner government by complying with government directives and environmental regulations, so that flooding will be minimized, and it’s negative effects reduced drastically this rainy season,” Oghenesivbe said.