The Edo State Government has warned residents to desist from indiscriminate refuse disposal across the state, noting that improper waste disposal in drainage and water channels may render the huge investment made by the government into flood alleviation ineffective.
The Project Coordinator, Edo State Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (Edo NEWMAP), Dr. Tom Obaseki, during an inspection of the Ogiso-Osunde flood control site in Ikpoba-Okha local council, expressed displeasure at the huge pile of waste scattered along the newly provided drainage system.
Obaseki urged citizens to support the government’s efforts at tackling the problem of flooding and erosion across all Edo communities and improving the living standard of the people.
He said it was unbelievable that residents who had suffered immeasurable consequences of yearly flood ravages would fail to recognize the importance of the drainage system provided by the state government across the state, thereby disposing wastes indiscriminately into the newly constructed drainage system.
Obaseki said: ‘’For years, the people of this community suffered the ravage of yearly flooding before the government under the leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki heard your cry for help and responded through Edo NEWMAP intervention.
“But look at what you are doing now to the flood alleviation infrastructure newly provided for your community; this is not acceptable at all.’’
The Project Coordinator called on community leaders as well as landlords and landladies hosting NEWMAP infrastructure and such other government projects to assist in the maintenance and protection of these government facilities.
He added, “Your community for years was ravaged by flood and erosion, but today you have a world-class flood alleviation facility in your domain.”
“Do you want plastic and such other solid waste materials to clog the drainage system provided to alleviate your flooding challenge and, thus, render them ineffective?” he queried.
“If the community does not want the consequence of its inactions or negligence to catch up with it, then, I admonish you all to come together now and tackle the challenge posed by the improper disposal of waste in the community.’’
He said the community must take ownership of the flood alleviation facilities provided by the government as negligence to do so may end up reversing all the gains of having the flood alleviation project in their area.