Tejiri Ebikeme

Delta State Commissioner for Environment, Frank Omare has vowed to go tough with those who built illegal structure on natural waterways in Ekpan Community, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.

Inspecting some areas in the community, where many residents were sacked by heavy flooding of last Wednesday, the Commissioner during the environmental sanitation exercise threatened to pull down any structure obstructing free flow of water in Ekpan community.

The Commissioner who was accompanied during the inspection/environmental sanitation by the Transition Committee Chairman of Uvwie Local Government, Mr. Bright Edejegwhro said the days ahead when the bulldozers would move into the community would bring joy, pains and sorrows to not a few.

He said “Government is not being wicked but we are taking decisive action to pull down structures built on natural waterways and canals. We came here today because of the cry of residents whom have been sacked from their homes.”

According to him, “Government had opened the canals in this community, but from what has just happened in the last rain, it was as if the efforts were in vain. We have done so much to check flooding in the entire Uvwie Local Government, but the four hours rains of Wednesday was a big embarrassment to government, but we are not going to fold our hands, what must be done to correct this must be done by Government.”

“What have happened is that people have sold waterways and build up the area; there are so many illegal approvals, houses, churches and business premises have been built on waterways. In the days ahead, a lot of people will cry. Many people will also be happy but we are going to be fair; if your house is brought down, you can go to court,” the commissioner stated.

There will be a major rain this year and we are not going to fold our arms or close our eyes pretending that nothing is happening, he said “During the coming operation, children should steer clear, we will deal with anybody that will stand on our way; nobody has the right to block government drainage system for selfish interest and we are not going to be selective. Any building on top of canals must go. We are determine to link the natural waterways. We are not doing this because of some individuals but as a government. The flooding we are witnessing in Ekpan was caused by the people and that is why 48 hours rain sacked many people.”

The Transition Committee Chairman of Uvwie Local Government, Mr. Bright Edejegwhro, former commissioner for works, Chief Tom Amioku, Chief Tuesday Onoge, Chief Egborode, Mr. Godwin Omasibro (JP), the Chairman of Ekpan Development Committee (EDC) and others who accompanied the Commissioner promised to back government in any action to deflood the Ekpan community.