In a bid to mitigate the impact of anticipated flooding, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Dr. Ndu Walter, has formally flagged off the desilting of canals and waterways across the LGA.
Dr. Walter, who visited one of the Desilting spots at SARS, stated that the Flood Management and Erosion Control Committee has been tasked with clearing all major canals and removing debris that obstructs water flow, in line with warnings that Obio/Akpor has been listed among the 2025 flood flashpoints.
While urging property owners to have been issued a 21-day notice to clear such obstructions, He noted that most flooding in the area is caused not by river overflow but by blockages from illegal constructions and waste dumping along waterways.
Related: Obio/Akpor Administrator Begins Desilting Operation to Combat Flooding
Dr. Walter said the Flood Management and Erosion Control Committee has the mandate to execute its duties without fear or favour, stressing that proactive measures are being taken to avoid the displacement of residents.
The Committee Chairman, Mr. Sam Chidi Wike, assured the Administrator that all identified blockages will be removed to ensure free water flow during the rainy season. He further appealed to residents to desist from dumping refuse into canals to prevent water from entering homes.
