The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), working together with the State Ministry of Environment, on Wednesday, expanded its ongoing de-silting efforts to include Effurun GRA in Uvwie Local Government Area.
This effort, part of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s proactive steps to combat flooding, aims to reduce the effects of the upcoming rainy season and provide much-needed relief to residents in flood-prone areas across Delta State.
Residents of Effurun GRA thanked DESOPADEC and the state government, highlighting that the annual drain clearing has made a big difference in reducing flooding in their community.
Mr. Peter Eteme, a local resident, welcomed the intervention but encouraged everyone to do their part by keeping their environment clean.
Another resident, Mr. Felix Agbigbe, also shared his thoughts, pointing to an uncleared canal along the Effurun/Ughelli Road as a major cause of ongoing flooding. However, he noted that construction company Julius Berger is now addressing the issue as part of its flyover project.
While carrying out the operation, workers ran into challenges like a large timber log and a hardened bag of cement that had been deliberately dumped in a drain near St. Jude Catholic Church. Officials called out these actions as counterproductive and urged residents to work with authorities to help make the flood prevention efforts successful.
The de-silting exercise in Effurun GRA targeted key locations such as Council Road, Ofeye Uvoh Close, Prince Kohwo Road, Chief Victoria Atiti Close, parts of High Court Road, Brigadier Gen. D.O. Oneya Road, and Johnson Barovbe Close.
DESOPADEC assured residents that similar efforts will be carried out in other flood-prone areas under its jurisdiction to help protect lives and property.
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