WARRI, the economic nerve of Delta State and its environs have experienced 11 consecutive days of rainfall, disrupting religious services and socio-economic activities in the metropolis.
The continuous downpour, which began on June 28, has resulted in significantly reduced attendance at churches monitored by our correspondent over the past two Sundays.
Similarly, outdoor social gatherings and food vendors have recorded substantial losses due to adverse weather conditions.
A housewife in the Odibo area, Mrs Mary Onosu complained that the absence of sunshine prevented her from drying clothes washed over a week ago. “I have been unable to dry my family’s clothes for seven days now,” she lamented.
Residents of Ojugo and adjoining streets in Apala, Oyekomino off Quality in Road, Ogedegbe Street, Olomu, Numa and Etuwewe continue to experience flooding caused by the persistent rainfall.
A resident, Mr. Omasan Tunde, who lives near Daudu Police Station, told our correspondent that while his immediate area was not flooded, water was seeping into his room at high velocity.
Concerned residents have called for the evacuation of refuse and overgrown weeds from canals in Warri.
One of the respondents, Mr. Jonathan Okoronkwo noted that “canals serve as channels for water flow from flooded areas. However, all canals in Warri are currently filled with refuse and overgrown weeds.”
Another resident, Mr. Sylvester Karen echoed similar concerns, identifying the blockage of natural waterways and the unpatriotic habit of residents dumping refuse in gutters as primary causes of flooding in Warri and its environs.
The ongoing Delta State Government gutter construction project in Ajuyah Street Off 3rd Marine Gate represents part of efforts to address drainage challenges in the area.
