The Delta State government has adopted short and long term approaches to tackle the problem of flooding in Asaba and other parts of the state, an official has said.
In a statement in Asaba yesterday, Mr Sam Ijeh, the Media Assistant to the Commissioner for Information , said the government’s action followed the warning by Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) that 16 states, including Delta, would experience heavy flooding within the year.
Ijeh said part of the short term measures was the opening up and clearing of old canals as well as the construction of new ones in flood prone areas.
“A 10km canal from Mgbalamgba to Iyeti Rivers for onward discharge to River Ase have been created in Isheagu, Aniocha South Local Government Area and another canal created in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area.
“Existing canals in Koko, Agbor, Ughelli, Sapele, Agbarho, Anwai Camp 74, Warri and other towns have been cleared to ensure free flow of water.
“Also, regular disilation of drains along Okpanam Road and the core areas, the creation of ‘catch pits’ in strategic locations, particularly the Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS), Old Secretariat by Summit Road, Asaba and Airport Vie, off Okpanam Road,” he said.
Ijeh said the state Ministry of Lands, Survey and Urban Development and the Ministry of Environment were also tackling issues of buildings erected on natural waterways.
He said the state chapter of Nigeria Society of Engineers was collaborating with state government toward finding a lasting solution to the menace of flooding in the state.
Ijeh said government had engaged a Storm Water Consultant, Jefcon Consultant, to tackle flooding challenges in Asaba and its environs.
“As a long term measure, the state government in May reviewed the scope and cost of the continuation and completion of the construction of Storm Water Control in Direct Labour Agency Road/Jesus Saves Corridor, Asaba.
“Work on the project will commence immediately the rains subside as advised by the contractor, who opined that some buildings in the area might cave in if it starts work during the rains,” he said.
Ijeh also said the government had embarked on sensitisation of the public to warn those living in flood prone areas to move to safer grounds to avoid negative consequences of flooding.
He added that people should desist from throwing refuse into the drains to avoid a repeat of the 2012 experience.
Fears are already heightening as those who live and farm by the Asaba end of the River Niger told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the water level had started rising.
According to Mr Batholomy Isichei, a farmer, the rising water in the river is forcing people to commence harvesting of the crops, especially potatoes.
He said although the water had not reached a threatening level, there were signs that the water could rise more and as such people should take precaution.
The Delta government also announced its readiness to seek partnership with the World Bank in funding job creation programmes in the state.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Festus Agas, disclosed this yesterday in Asaba, when officials of the World Bank and European Union Implementation Support Mission to the state visited him.
Agas said the state government placed high premium on job and wealth creation, adding that the state’s Employment Expenditure For Result (SEEFOR) intervention scheme had been aligned to the SMART agenda of the government.
SMART means Strategic wealth creation; Meaningful peace building platforms; Agricultural reforms and accelerated industrialisation; Relevant education and health policies and a Transformed environment through urban renewal.
“The SEEFOR project had created employment for over 5,000 youths and more than seventy communities have benefited under its Community Driven Development Social Component,” he said.
According to Agas, over 112 people in the state now have access to socio economic infrastructure under the Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration in Delta.
The SSG listed the state government’s achievements under the state Integrated Financial Management Information System (SIFMIS), including the installation of converged infrastructure.
Others are the reconstitution of SIFMIS implementation team and reviewing of legacy SAP licence to a more sustainable 10- year agreement, with the state saving over 8.3 million dollars.
Agas said the state was on track towards achieving its project development objectives and congratulated the World Bank on its position as Africa’s number one on the world’s disbursement score card for 2017 financial year.
The leader of the World Bank team, Mr Ismaila Cessay, said the visit was to seek the Delta Government’s support, to assist the state to achieve its developmental goals.
He said the World Bank SEEFOR was completely in alignment with the economic development programmes of Delta towards providing employment for the people through job creation.
Cessay said SEEFOR would continue to partner Delta in the best policy interests for economic stability and to enhance growth and development of the state.
He said activities of SEEFOR in the Niger Delta area included road maintenance, promotion of good environment and the enhancement of skills for the youth.
Responding, the Delta Coordinator for SEEFOR projects, Mr Benson Ojoko, said the World Bank SEEFOR mission, which aligned with Delta Government project, was to support the state in its development.
He assured of the government’s commitment to the actualisation of the objectives of SEEFOR and urged the World Bank to sustain the programme.
