Uduaghan Vows To Remove Structures On Waterways

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta, on Thursday, vowed to pull down all illegal structures and properties built on waterways in any part of the state.

Uduaghan, who gave the warning while inaugurating a 14-member state climate change team in Asaba, said that the government would no longer tolerate a situation where the interest of few individuals put the lives and property of majority in danger.

“As a proactive measure, we are setting up an inter-ministerial and departmental committee to start serious work on best solutions to adopt in confronting the challenges posed by climate change while working to protect our environment.”

“Like I said earlier, issues connected with preserving our environment are no longer sentimental. All blocked drains must be cleared.”

“Anyone whose structures are erected on areas that impede water flows must be ready to face the consequences.’’

Uduaghan said the state had earlier inaugurated a task force on flood control and the removal of illegal structures charged with the responsibility of pulling down of all illegal structures

“We have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UNDP on Territorial Approach to Climate Change.

“By this, the state will deepen its capacity to regulate environmental issues and find adaptation mechanisms, especially those related to oil pollution, flooding and ocean surge while taking advantage of sources of environmental funds to implement responses to climate change,” Uduaghan said.

Responding on behalf of the members, Mrs Felicia Adun, the Director in the Ministry of Environment, thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve.

She acknowledged that the time was apt for the state to checkmate climate challenges, especially those relating to oil pills. Adun pledged the team’s commitment to deliver on the task ahead, adding that timely intervention by the government would help prevent potential disaster caused by Nigeria’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) climate change.

Calista Ezeaku