By. Emmanuel Ikhenebome
Benin – Following the heavy downpour which resulted in flooding in some parts of Benin city, the Edo state capital recently, residents of the affected areas has urged the state government to enforce relevant environmental laws to check indiscriminate dumping of waste in drainages and bring down structures built on erosion channels.
The residents who are from erosion prone areas of Upper Sokponmba road (St Maria Goretti area), Ikpoba slope, Ewa road, Evbotubu, Behind Court of Appeal, Ugbowo-Lagos Road by Army Barracks Isihohor, Oba Eweka street of Benin-Auchi road and environs said, poor waste management culture and non-adherence to building laws are reasons for the flooding.
Recall last week, flooding from heavy downpour in parts of the state capital took over some houses, destroying properties worth millions of Naira, following which the state government cautioned residents to ensure that drains and water channels are not blocked from hindering free flow of flood water.
It said officials of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability have intensified efforts at clearing drains of debris and dirts across the Benin metropolis as well as other parts of the state.
However, residents of the affected areas who spoke with The Nigerian Observer said, the debris dumped in the blocked drainage systems are mostly single-use plastic waste disposed off indiscriminately, calling for an outright ban of polythene bags use for packaging consumer goods in the state.
While calling for support for the Edo Waste Management Board, they called for sanction of erring waste manager who failed to evacuate waste from the various collection points, adding, some of the waste find their way to the drainage facilities when it rains.
As the rains continues, the residents appealed to the state government to assist victims of the recent flooding, most of whom are homeless, taking refuge elsewhere.
They said the worsening condition this wet season has become a nightmare to them in these areas as they cannot sleep with their eyes close when there is sign of rain.
They however called for the completion of the Benin-Storm Water Project, to properly control flood water from around the city.
