Several residents of Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, have been displaced and their homes and belongings submerged following days of heavy rainfall, prompting the state government to assess the situation and explore measures to alleviate their suffering.
The state government, led by the Commissioner for Bureau of Special Duties, Hon. Ejiro Terry Etacherure, inspected flood-hit communities in Oghara to ascertain the extent of the damage and identify areas requiring urgent intervention.
Etacherure, who was accompanied by members of the State Emergency Management Team, sympathised with the victims and assured them that the government would consider both immediate and long-term solutions to the recurring flooding in the area.
He, however, urged residents to complement government efforts by keeping their environment clean, regularly desilting drainage channels and avoiding activities capable of obstructing the free flow of stormwater.
According to him, the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori places a high premium on the welfare and safety of citizens, which informed the decision to undertake an on-the-spot assessment of the affected communities.
The Commissioner said, “As citizens, you have the responsibility to take care of your environment. You cannot expect the government to construct drainage and still expect the government to maintain it for you.”
He warned residents against erecting structures on waterways and dumping refuse in drainage channels, noting that such practices could block water channels and worsen flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.
Etacherure directed the Environmental Department of Ethiope West Local Government Council to commence immediate sensitisation campaigns across the area and ensure that blocked drainages are cleared.
He stressed that proactive measures by residents, alongside government intervention and effective flood-management strategies, were essential to reducing the impact of flash floods.
Speaking on behalf of the Oghara community, Mr. Edafe Abada said the heavy rainfall had submerged several homes and rendered some residents homeless.
The affected residents appealed to the state government to urgently come to their aid, particularly by improving drainage infrastructure and providing support to households whose homes and properties were damaged by the flood.
The inspection, according to the government, would enable it to properly assess the extent of the damage and determine areas requiring immediate attention as part of efforts to protect residents and prevent future occurrences.
