Governor Okowa of Delta State

The Delta State Government says it will adopt proactive measures to tackle the menace of perennial flooding across the state, just as the rainy season begins.

The Commissioner for Environment, Mr John Nani, said this on Friday, when he inspected the ongoing dredging of River Ngbalangba in Ishiagu community, Aniocha South Local Government Area of the state.

Nani, who expressed satisfaction with the level of work at the site, reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to arresting the devastating effects of flooding in communities across the state.

He said that that the dredging of the Ngbalangba River was informed by the need to create natural waterways to ensure free flow of water.

According to him, the river always overflows its bank into the Ishiagu community and other neighbouring villages due to the blockage of waterways, particularly during the rainy seasons.

He said that the dredging of the river would bring a huge relief to the villagers and the fishermen in particular.

A youth leader in Ishiagu community, Mr Fidelis Ezeamaka, told NAN in an interview that the dredging of the river by the state government was timely and commendable.

“This is a welcome development; I must commend this initiative of the government because our community has, over the years, suffered untold hardships due to perennial flooding.

“The dredging of this river will no doubt arrest flooding because the volume of water that overruns these villages will now flow into the river without any hindrance.

“This dredging will also help to boost fishing activities because the river will now provide a pool for fish breeding and farming by our people,’’ he added.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ishiagu and the neighbouring villages of Ewulu, Aba-Unor and Adonte have for years been plagued by floods, which often destroyed homes and damaged roads linking the villages.

NAN also reports that the commissioner was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Mrs Nkem Ajufoh, and other top government officials

. (NAN)