THE Delta State Government has commenced the clearing of major canals in Warri, Warri South Local Government Area, as part of efforts to mitigate perennial flooding in the city.
The ongoing desilting exercise, monitored by our correspondent, is being carried out at several key locations, including Okere road by the bridge, Upper and Lower Erejuwa roads, McDermott road near Globestar Engineering Company, and Cemetery road adjacent to Redeemed Christian Church of God.
As at the time of filing this report, work was actively ongoing on the stretch of Upper Erejuwa road by the culvert, extending towards Igbudu market.
Residents who spoke expressed appreciation to Governor Sheriff Francis Oborevwori for initiating the intervention. Chairman of Motor Spare Parts Traders Association at Lower Erejuwa, Chief Emeka Odili, noted that the clearing of the canal near the culvert would save traders the hardship hitherto caused by persistent flooding in the area.
Similarly, the newly appointed Oghwuvwie (Traditional Prime Minister) of Otovwodo (Agbassa) community, Comrade Influence Obabokor, lauded the workers for not only clearing the canals, but also properly packing the debris during the process.
He, however, called on the government to extend the exercise to the opposite side of the culvert on Lower Erejuwa road, urging that the canal be cleared and desilted all the way to Warri/Sapele Road.
Both respondents acknowledged that the ongoing exercise is a direct response by the Oborevwori administration to recent appeals.
