Dump Refuse in Drains, Face the Law — Delta Warns
AGBOR/Nigeria: In a renewed effort to tackle perennial flooding and safeguard public infrastructure, the Delta State Government has intensified its crackdown on the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drains and water channels, warning that culprits will face arrest, prosecution, and stiff penalties.
This firm warning was issued by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, and the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ejiro Jamani, during an inspection of the old Lagos-Agbor Road in Boji-Boji Agbor on Tuesday.
Aniagwu expressed deep concern over the damage caused by stagnant water on newly constructed roads, stressing that dumping waste in drains not only exacerbates flooding but also leads to the premature deterioration of road infrastructure.
“The governor has given clear directives to the Ministry of Environment to come down hard on anyone dumping refuse or turning our drains into dump sites,” Aniagwu stated. “Anyone caught will be arrested, prosecuted, and made to pay for the havoc they are causing. We are spending millions building roads and drains; we cannot allow irresponsible behavior to destroy that.”
He urged residents to be vigilant and report violators. “See something, say something. This is not just an environmental issue—it’s an economic and social problem. What we witnessed recently is a direct result of clogged drains. It must stop.”
Highlighting the state’s commitment to flood control, Aniagwu said the government is deliberate in designing roads with proper drainage systems, particularly in flood-prone areas.
“At every road project, we study the topography and volume of water in the area. Here in Owa-Nta, for example, we are building a major stormwater drainage to manage the runoff from Abraka Road and Aliosimi,” he explained. “Our goal is not just to build roads but to create a safe and liveable environment.”
He further emphasized that the construction of robust drainage infrastructure across all three senatorial districts—North, South, and Central—demonstrates the Oborevwori administration’s resolve to mitigate flooding statewide.
Also speaking, Commissioner Jamani commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for integrating drainage systems in all ongoing road projects across the state. He, however, expressed disappointment at the attitude of residents who have turned these critical infrastructures into refuse dumps.
“Every road this administration is constructing includes proper drainage to carry stormwater to natural outlets,” Jamani said. “Unfortunately, we found that some residents have converted the drains into garbage pits, particularly in Agbor. This recklessness has led to flooding.”
Jamani confirmed that an assessment of the Agbor flooding incident revealed that adjoining street drains were clogged with refuse. He assured that the ministry would return soon to de-silt the affected areas and restore water flow.
He reiterated that Delta’s status as a coastal state requires constant maintenance of drainage channels, especially ahead of the rainy season, and warned that the government would no longer tolerate acts that endanger public safety and sabotage development.
“As the rains approach, we are intensifying the management of our drainage systems across the state. But residents must play their part too. The drains are not for garbage—they are lifelines for flood control,” Jamani said.
