Flooding: Delta Demolishes Structures On Waterway

Delta State Government has commenced demolition of buildings erected along waterways and causing flooding across the state in line with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s directive.

The demolition operations were inaugurated with the partial dismantling of three structures, including an incomplete church edifice and a story building in the Ugboroke area of Uvwie Local Government Area.

These sections of the buildings were situated within waterways that have been identified as contributors to the recurrent flooding affecting residences in the vicinity.

Heading the operation was Mr. Frank Omare, the Director-General of Special Duties at the Governor’s Office.

The task force, equipped with specialized amphibious equipment, was accompanied by a contingent of security personnel from the 3rd Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Effurun.

Commencing on Monday in the Uvwie Local Government Area, the demolition and dredging efforts will extend to other flood-prone regions such as Warri, Warri South Local Government Area, Udu, and Ughelli.

In a chat with newsmen during the demolition process in Ugboroke, Omare emphasised his commitment to fulfilling the mandate entrusted to him.

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He emphasized the impartiality of the operation and the use of seven heavy-duty machines to facilitate the task.

“One of the mandates given to me is to remove illegal structures all over the state, and this is just the beginning”, Omare told newsmen.

“We are not here for individual interest but the general interest. We will not compromise.

“The falling away of the yellow leave is a warning to the green one. We have started and we are continuing. Times are hard, things are rough, but we must do the right thing.

“The law is law. We have about seven equipment scattered across Warri South and Uvwie local government areas. When we are done, we would move to other local governments. It is a warning to others.

Meanwhile, David Adu, a resident whose father’s property was impacted by the demolition, expressed optimism regarding the mitigation of annual flooding in the area.

He welcomed the ongoing demolition and canal dredging efforts, urging authorities to permit affected residents to retrieve their belongings before the final demolition takes place.

He said: “I’m happy the demolition is ongoing even though my father’s house is affected.

“I only ask they allow us remove our items from the building before total demolition.

“They should ensure they strictly follow the master plan by bringing back the canal and roads encroached on by builders.”

This ongoing endeavor signals the Delta State Government’s resolute commitment to enhancing flood resilience and safeguarding communities from the devastating consequences of recurrent flooding.