The National Secretary, Ni
gerian Environmental Society (NES), Mr Paul Akporowho, has urged residents in Warri and its environs to adopt communal help to clear drains in their areas as downpour persists.
Akporowho made the call in an interview with newsmen in Warri.
The environmentalist said that the economy was weak, adding that the government did not have sufficient fund to clear drains and channels.
”Government has a lot of challenges to confront with and it will be better for people to also come together as a community to clear their drains.
”The issue of flooding in Warri is not unexpected, it has been on the front burner for some times and unfortunately government does not have enough capital to address drainage system..
”The Local Government which is closer to the people are also weak in terms of funds.
”So people should see what they can do to avert the situation while communities should resort to self-help to evacuate the drains in the meantime,’’ he said.
The Warri-based environmentalist appealed to residents to desist from erecting buildings and dumping refuse into the channel to avoid blockages of the water ways.
Our correspondent reports that many buildings in Warri had been submerged following the downpour that persisted since Sept. 12.  Some of the areas where buildings were submerged included, the Okere, Iyara communities, Marine Quarters, Okumagba Avenue and others.
The development had also affected business activities in the metropolis.
The perimeter fence of the Rehobot Christian Church in Ajamimogha, Warri South was pulled down by the rain.
The Pastor of the Church, Rev. Babine Ereku thanked God that no life was lost on the incident.   A resident, Mr Festus George said most of the landlords had cashed in on the development to channel their sock away into the gutters thereby messing up the environment.
Another resident, Mrs Juliet Oyibo said she had caught about 15 cat fish in her compound since the commencement of the downpour.