Warri Residents Demand Central Drainage System From Delta Govt

*As Okowa Sets To Dredge Anwai River

Residents of Warri, commercial nerve centre of Delta state have requested a central drainage system in the metropolis.

This is coming as Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa said the Anwai River and Amilimocha Stream in Asaba will be fully dredged to check the effects of storm water that will empty into them from the on-going massive drainages being constructed in the state capital.

The residents made the demand during the recent town hall meeting in Warri.

Speaking on this on Thursday while inspecting on-going drainage projects in the state capital, Okowa who also, inspected the construction works going on at the Stephen Keshi’s Stadium, Asaba, observed that during his recent town hall meeting in Warri, the issue of constructing drainage in that area was raised.

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According to him, work was ongoing in the area and the contractor handling the drainage by Effurun roundabout promised to complete the project by July.

“Two days ago, we inspected the drainage at the Warri/Sapele road; that drainage is essentially to drain that particular road which is being done into three lanes on both sides, that is, from Enerhen to Effurun junction, but, at the town hall meeting, the people of Warri South asked for a proper drainage that will be done in the whole of Warri.

“Unfortunately, in the past, we have been doing a kind of make-shift drainage without having any study and I promised them that we will first of all, carry out a proper study of the area by setting up a team with a consulting firm along with some selected elders from that area who understands the topography so that a proper design could be created.”

Fielding questions from newsmen after the inspection exercise in Asaba, Okowa said. “I am glad that the projects have gone far, the contractors are reputable companies that requires little or no supervision, we are happy with the pace and quality of work being done.”

“We are conscious of the volumes of water that will pass through the storm drainages and we have asked the Ministry of Environment to dredge the Anwai River and the Amilimocha Stream,” the Governor disclosed, adding, “our interest is to ensure that flood water is effectively channeled in the capital city and other parts of the state where there is need to control flood water.”

Governor Okowa urged the contractors handling drainage projects to increase their pace so as to ensure that most of the excavation are covered to avoid incidents during the rainy season.

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He assured that when completed the storm drains would effectively check incidences of flooding in the capital city.

The Governor who also inspected the Stephen Keshi Stadium, asserted that with the completion of work at the 23, 000 sitting capacity stadium, sporting activities of international magnitude will take place in the state.