Residents of Edo State have been urged to desilt drains in their neighborhoods to prevent flooding as the heavy July rains approach.
Ebojele Akhere Patrick, National Convener of N’Edo Gheria, a socio-political and cultural group, made this call while stressing the dangers of ignoring blocked drains in a statement.
Ebojele noted that while the government must provide proper waste evacuation systems, citizens must also help by clearing drains, green areas, moats, and waterways.
He said research has shown that illegal encroachment on water channels is a major cause of flooding in Edo State during the rainy season.
He added that the issue of erosion and flooding did not start with the current government and urged people to stop politicizing everything.
“There have been governments before this one, and we still had erosion problems,” he said.
Ebojele encouraged residents to help spread awareness about keeping the environment clean and to support the government’s efforts.
He added that fighting global warming requires everyone to take responsibility.
He concluded by calling on citizens to support leaders to focus on governance, not politics. By desilting drains and protecting waterways, Edo people can reduce the risk of erosion and flooding this rainy season.
