The Delta State Government has issued a strong warning to residents of the State against the indiscriminate felling of trees, following a devastating windstorm, heavy rainfall and hailstones that occurred on Tuesday in Okpe local government area.
The State Commissioner for Environment, Ejiro Jamani issued the warning on Wednesday after visiting the communities to assess the devastating rainstorm that ravaged the area.
The affected communities are Jeddo, Ughoton and Ugbokodo, located behind the Warri Refining and Petrochemicals Company (WRPC).
The Commissioner confirmed that the rainstorm impacted health centres, schools, worship centres, several business premises and residential buildings.
Mr Jamani, who led a delegation of government officials to an on-the-spot assessment of the affected communities, said the natural disaster wreaked havoc, causing widespread damage to homes and rooftops across the affected communities.
“Our team visited Ugbokodo, Jeddo, and Ughoton communities to ascertain the extent of the damage. Among the critical infrastructures impacted were the Ughoton Health Centre, Ometan Primary School, Ughoton Secondary School, Ugbokodo Health Centre, Ugbokodo Secondary School, several business premises, residential buildings, and places of worship,” he said.
At each community visited, Jamani conveyed the deep sympathy of His Excellency, the Governor, and the Delta State Government to the people of Ugbokodo, Jeddo, and Ughoton over the unfortunate incident.
“I assured them that we share in their pain and stand in heartfelt solidarity with them during this challenging time. I also took the opportunity to reassure all Deltans of Governor Oborevwori’s strong commitment to safeguarding lives and properties across the state.
“I assured residents that a detailed environmental investigation will be undertaken to determine the root cause of the windstorm and to develop appropriate response and mitigation strategies,” Jamani said.
He added: “In light of this incident, I reiterated the importance of environmental stewardship by all residents of the state. I warned against the indiscriminate felling of trees, which leaves our communities vulnerable to harsh environmental consequences.
“I therefore urge all residents to desist from such harmful practices and instead embrace tree planting as a proactive measure to combat climate change and reduce the impact of extreme weather events”.
The Commissioner was joined on the visit by the Member representing Okpe Constituency at the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. James Augoye; the Chairman of Okpe Local Government Area, Chief Isaiah Isiowa; officials from the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA); the Ministry of Education; and other relevant stakeholders.
