Delta fumigates flood devastated homes

By AUSTIN OGWUDA & FESTUS AHON

ASABA—No fewer than 10,000 flood victims accommodated in several camps in Delta State, have returned home, even as experts from the state Ministry of Environment have commenced the fumigation of the flood ravaged areas, including homes, farmlands, hospitals and schools affected with a view to preventing possible diseases and attack by dangerous reptiles.

State Commissioner for Environment, Chief Frank Omare, told Vanguard in Asaba, yesterday, that “in accordance with the directive of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, experts from my ministry have commenced massive fumigation of structures affected by the flood, including houses, farmlands, schools and hospitals.

“We are doing all these to ensure that Delta State is free from diseases. So far, we have fumigated six local government areas, namely Patani, Isoko North, Isoko South, Ndokwa East, Oshimili South and Oshimili North and are still moving to other councils.

“For those eager to return home, we are pleading with them to be patient as the fumigation exercise is key because of pollution from River Niger and forests that discharged into homes and farmlands.”

Commissioner, Bureau for Special Duties, Dr. Tony Nwaka, also told our reporter that “so far, 10,000 persons must have left (the camps). It is a continuing process. Some persons are leaving as we speak. The exact figure can only be confirmed when all the camps have wound up.”

Meanwhile, Isoko Development Union, IDU, Port Harcourt branch, Rivers State, has donated food items and other relief materials to flood victims in Ozoro and Oleh camps in Delta State.

Making the donation on behalf of the union, its branch President, Mr. Patrick Ugbolodi, said the items were their contribution towards assisting those affected by the flood which recently wreaked havoc in the state.