SONGG Lauds Council Chair’s Efforts in Flood Mitigation for Warri Metropolis"

By Wilson Macaulay

Residents of Warri Metropolis are in wide jubilation as the Warri South Council Chairman, Hon. Isaac Agbeteyiniro, undertakes a major canal-clearing project to combat the persistent flooding that has long plagued the oil city.

On October 6, 2024, Hon. Agbeteyiniro launched an extensive canal clearing and cleaning exercise aimed at mitigating the city’s perennial flooding, thereby safeguarding lives and boosting economic activity. The project targets key flood-prone areas, along the blocked canal starting from Cinema Site and passing through Eburu, Street DDPA, Housing Estate,Robinson Plaza, Ogboru Street, Okere Road, and eventually entering the Okere River. With heavy-duty equipment, including a swamp buggy, the Warri South Council team, led by the Supervisory Councillor for Environment, worked tirelessly round the clock to remove the debris that had contributed to the severe flooding experienced during the rainy season.

This commendable initiative has earned accolades and widespread praise from various stakeholders, including the Delta State Chapter of the Socioeconomic Network for Good Governance (SONGG), a prominent civil society group advocating for transparency, accountability, and community development.

Speaking in a statement via WhatsApp, Hon. Isaac Agbeteyiniro the Warri South Council Chairman reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the MORE GRACE AGENDA by tackling long-standing challenges that exacerbate flooding. He emphasized that flooding has been a critical issue in Warri for years, affecting both residential and commercial areas, and the canal clearing project is a top priority for his administration. He also expressed his dedication to the MORE AGENDA of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, as encapsulated in the MORE GRACE AGENDA for Warri South LGA.

"This canal clearing exercise is part of our long-term strategy to reduce flood risk, protect properties, and enhance the quality of life for our people,” Hon. Agbeteyiniro remarked. He further explained that the project represents a significant investment in flood control, with plans in place to ensure regular maintenance and prevent future blockages, through effective policy to check dumping of refuse in the canal.

Key environmental officers and councillors, including the Supervisory Councillor for Environment, Hon. Okorodiden Femi, who led the operation, were present during the supervision of the project. Speaking to the press, Hon. Femi Okorodiden the Supervisory Councillor Environment expressed gratitude to Hon. Agbeteyiniro for prioritizing the project. He also acknowledged the support from SONGG. for their effective collaboration with the Council leadership.He expressed optimism that the clearing of the canal would significantly reduce the flooding menace in Warri Metropolis.

 Hon. Monday Iriferi (JP), the Councillor

representing Olodi Okpeki Ward 7, also commended the council chairman for addressing the problem of flooding, which had led to attacks by rodents and reptiles and increased the risk of diseases among residents living along the canal. He prayed for God to give Hon. Agbeteyiniro the strength and good health to continue aligning with the MORE AGENDA of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as encapsulated in the MORE GRACE AGENDA.

Sanitarians Egwarewan Lawrence and Iwere Isabella Amomatorione were on-site to ensure the smooth running of the canal-clearing exercise. Their Presence 

further emphasized the council’s commitment to resolving the city’s flood issues sustainably in a seamless manner.

The Socioeconomic Network For Good Governance aka SONGG, led by its President Comrade Sunny Anireto, alongside Public Relations Officer Comrade Karo Erueme and General Secretary Wilson Macaulay, joined the council in supervising the project. Comrade Anireto the SONGG President while speaking with the Press praised Hon. Agbeteyiniro for his proactive leadership and described the exercise as a “step in the right direction” towards achieving a flood-free Warri Metropolis. He urged the resident communities along the canal to avoid indiscriminate waste disposal, which often causes blockages, and called on other local government areas to emulate Warri South’s efforts to mitigate flooding across Delta State.

Comrade Karo Erueme the PRO of SONGG who also spoke said:" ln all We commend the supervising counselor Environment, the health officers for their good job, the Council Chair for having a listening ear to the plight of the people.We also thank the governor,of Delta State RT Hon Sheriff Oborevwori who has made himself a good example for the Council Chairmen to emulate as a development savvy Governor.

Comrade Karo Erueme the SONGG PRO stressed: "We are seeing the road construction and other good things the State Governor is doing.. This is why we are saying, when a good government comes, we see the good work of the government because light does not hide.

We will follow up and start briefing the public how the Warri South Local government is performing superlatively with their good projects under the leadership of Hon lsaac Agbeteyiniro. We also commend the Delta State state Government,. Today as I speak the whole world can see what the MORE GRACE AGENDA is doing to the glory of God."

As the project progresses, residents and business owners in the affected areas have been in a jubilation mood as they expressed optimism that the exercise will yield lasting results.They could note hide their joy as they expressed their relief and appreciation for the project,.

Elder lshani Jonathan resident in Amoforitse ,off Eboh Road while speaking with the Press Said: " We are happy that our Chairman remember us. The flooding water has been a big menace for us."

Mr Odessa Gabriel aka fire, the vice chairman of Amoforitse Street Who also spoke said:" we are impressed, no more mosquito,no more flooding, may God bless our chairman Hon lsaac Agbeteyiniro. He called on the State Governor and other agencies of Government like NDDC to consider the option of pilling the canal in the future as a long term solution.

Mrs Edith Akpata and Mr Osaze Ozabor still in the extacy of moment while speaking to the media said the Project has saved them from flooding, and that they will vote for lsaac Agbeteyiniro again, if he need their votes because he did not disappoint the Social Contract he have with them. 

The ongoing supervision by both government officials and civil society groups like SONGG ensures transparency and accountability, while also providing a model for other council Areas battling similar environmental challenges.

With this decisive action by the Warri South Council, flooding menace is now a thing of the past, as the execution of this Project have ushered in a new era of environmental stability and economic growth for Warri metropolis.