Notable Niger Delta socio-cultural group of, the Orashi National Congress, ONC, has called on the Rivers State and Local Government authorities to urgently deploy swamp buggies to dredge and clear waterways and canals across the Orashi region in order to avert devastating floods.
In a statement, the President General of ONC, Ambassador Comrade Emeni Ibe, JP, AP, said the call became necessary following recent flooding in parts of the country caused by heavy rainfall.
Amb. Ibe appealed to government to commence immediate dredging and clearing of blocked waterways to restore free flow of water and reduce the risk of unexpected flooding in Orashi communities.
“The government should focus on removing accumulated silt, solid waste, and dense vegetation currently blocking the canals and waterways,” he said.
According to him, clearing the channels will improve drainage capacity, help prevent overflow during heavy rainfall, and protect nearby communities from flooding.
The ONC leader also appealed to residents to desist from dumping refuse into canals and drainage channels, noting that blocked waterways remain a major cause of flooding across the state.
He stressed that stricter enforcement against indiscriminate waste disposal would go a long way in reducing the incidence of flooding in the area.
“Blocked drainage is not just a government problem. We all have a role to play. Residents must stop dumping refuse into canals if we want to stay safe during the rains,” Amb. Ibe said.
The ONC reaffirmed its commitment to working with government and relevant agencies to ensure flood-prone communities in the Orashi region are adequately protected this rainy season.
