As environmental pollution and degradation threaten coastal states, Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has inaugurated a 14 man committee that will find solution to the challenges posed by climate change.
Inaugurating the committee in Asaba, Dr. Uduaghan charged members of the committee to be serious and adopt mechanisms that would check flooding, pollution and ocean surge as issues concerning the preservation of the environment of the state were no longer sentimental.
Promising that his administration will deepen its capacity to regulate environmental issues he disclosed that the committee was mainly composed of civil servants to ensure continuity.
His words “we are setting up an inter-ministerial and departmental committee to start serious work on the best solution to adopt in confronting challenges posed by climate change.”
The governor who warned that the state government would no longer tolerate individuals who put the lives and properties of others in danger directed the committee to remove all structure that impedes water flow.
Dr. Uduaghan also warned owners of illegal structures to remove them or face the consequence.
He explained that the state has already embarked on the campaign for the removal of illegal structures stressing that when owners of such structures failed to remove them, the state government would pull them down.
Reminding Deltans that the Task Force on Flood Control and Removal of illegal structures was already on course the governor said the present exercise would touch all nooks and crannies of the state.
Emphasing further he said “The task force is out to clean up the state and no one no matter how highly or lowly placed will be spared”.
Responding the chairman of the committee Mrs. Felicia Adun said the state was facing serious environmental challenges and promised that her committee would adopt measures to prevent disaster.
Mrs. Adun said the state was vulnerable explaining that flood and pollution were already serious threats which should be tackled.
While promising that her committee would be totally committed to the assignment she expressed appreciation to the governor for giving them the appointment.
The committee which is headed by Mrs. Felicia Adun has the following members, Engr. Anaro Benedcit, Egwunatum Anslem, Itejere Pius, Miss Edemaidide Laura, Dr. Ofili C.C., Mrs. Ohwerho Rose, Ekakite Ufuoma, Mr Orowovo C.E., Engr. Odiete A.R while Mr. Ogirsen Felix would serve as Secretary.
Meanwhile, Commissioner for environment and chairman, task force of demolition of illegal structures, Mr. Frank Omare has assured residents of First Marine Gate in Warri south local government that the state government has stepped up action to remove all illegal structures standing on water ways as well as clear drainages to check flooding.
Residents of First Marine Gate had appealed to the state government to come to their aid them in the control of flooding in the area since the rains set in.
