The Delta State Ministry of Environment has commenced work to link all canals in Warri to the river in the commercial city.
The ministry also threatened to demolish all illegal structures blocking the drainages as part of measures aimed at solving the flood problem in the city.
Commissioner for Environment, John Nani disclosed this when he led a team from the ministry, on inspection of the clearing exercise on the canal in Ajamimogha community, Warri South Local Government Area.
Although Warri has managed to maintain its position as the commercial hub of the oil rich Delta state, over the years , flooding has remained an impending challenge especially in coastal towns such as Effurun, Ughelli, Sapele, among others.
The Okowa-led administration has however taken up responsibility to tackle the problem head-on.
While on site, Mr Nani also lamented on indiscriminate refuse dumping in the canal by some residents.
Members of the community such as the Chairman of the Warri South Local Government Council, Mathew Adema, and one of the youth leaders, commended the initiative.
“If natural canals are being cleared, the water would flow freely and that will reduce flooding in the city”.
The government therefore expects the joint efforts of residents, expressing that they should also rise up to the task of keeping their environment clean always.