The Delta State Government has sympathized with victims of the recent flooding in Agbor, Ika axis, following heavy rainfall on Wednesday.
The downpour led to significant property damage and swept vehicles and motorcycles off major roads.
Speaking at a news conference in Asaba on Thursday, Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, emphasized the need for a proactive approach to tackling environmental disasters.
He pointed out that natural disasters can occur anywhere, referencing recent flooding in Dubai and Spain, and urged residents to properly dispose of waste rather than clogging waterways with refuse.
“Nobody plays politics with natural disasters.
Flooding happens even in advanced countries, as we have seen in Dubai and Spain, where rains swept away homes, vehicles, and other properties,” Aniagwu stated.
He attributed the severity of the Agbor flooding to blocked drainage systems caused by indiscriminate waste disposal.
“The flooding in Ika was worsened because residents have consistently undermined the carrying capacity of drainage channels by dumping refuse into them, obstructing the free flow of water,” he explained.
Aniagwu noted that rapid urban development has also contributed to flooding, as rainwater collected on rooftops washes debris into drains, further blocking water channels. However, he assured that the state government has been working to address these issues through the construction of storm drainage systems and continuous desilting of existing channels.
“The responsibility is not just on the government; residents must also play their part by avoiding indiscriminate waste disposal to prevent a recurrence of such disasters,” he advised.
He further stressed that while Agbor’s drainage systems are designed to handle floodwaters, blockages have overwhelmed them, forcing water onto the roads.
“The rainfall was quite intense, and while flooding incidents like this can occur occasionally, the drains in Agbor are large enough to manage floodwaters.
However, smaller tributary channels that feed into them have been blocked by human activities,” he said.
Aniagwu called for a collective effort to address environmental issues realistically and mitigate natural disasters.
He highlighted the state government’s ongoing efforts, including the construction of dual drains along major roads and stormwater drainage systems in Asaba, Warri, and the Ika axis.
He also underscored the impact of climate change and urged residents to take responsibility for maintaining a clean environment.
“Before 2017, it took over two hours to drive through Okpanam Road in Asaba after rainfall.
Today, thanks to the stormwater drains we’ve constructed, floodwater disappears within 10 minutes,” he noted.
Finally, Aniagwu warned that the State Ministry of Environment would take strict action against individuals who continue to dump waste into drainage systems, reiterating the importance of proper waste management to prevent future flooding incidents.