Confronted with upcoming flood, Delta State Government has promised to complete the Okpanam storm water drainage project in Asaba by October, which would channel rain water to Iyi-Uku River in Okotomi Quarters.
Chief James Augoye, State’s Commissioner for Works, made the pledge, while inspecting the project in Asaba.
He said about 2.9 kilometres of the project has been completed. His Information counterpart, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, accompanied him.
While playing back the commitment of the state government to address the flooding dilemma in Okpanam, Asaba and its environs, Chief Augoye also disclosed that the depth of the drains were 3.5 metres by 1.2 metres, 1.5 metres by 1.5 metres and 0.9 meters by 0.9 meters, depending on the topography of the affected area.
According to him, “Okpanam community in particular and the entire state capital territory in general, would soon heave a sigh of relief from perennial flooding as a result of the storm water drainage being constructed by the government.
“About 15 adjoining roads of about 3.3km were also being constructed to help reduce the movement of sand, which usually blocks the drains along Okpanam during heavy rains.
He said: “The essence of the drainage project awarded in June 27, 2019, is to reduce the volume of water along the Okpanam road and Shoprite area due to the hilly nature of Okpanam town.
The Commissioner who held that no compensation would be paid for houses without government approval, said, “About 50 per cent of the compensation for houses marked for demolition has been paid, while the remaining would be paid after an assessment.
The State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, said the state government would not slow down on project execution on account of the outbreak of COVID-19.
He said: “We are desirous of building a stronger Delta with these infrastructure, and we are also desirous of saving these houses and homes that would have been affected by flood.”
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