From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
The Delta State government has ordered the demolition of all buildings erected along waterways across the state.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori handed down the order while inspecting phases I and II of the Warri/Effurun Storm Water Control Projects in Warri South and Uvwie local government areas of the state.
He said there was no place in the world where people were allowed to build on waterways.
Oborevwori directed the Ministries of Housing, Works and Lands to identify and pull down all such buildings to allow the free flow of water on natural waterways.
“We started the inspection with phase ll of the stormwater drainage project being handled by CCECC. They have five catchment areas. We have looked at their work and realised that they have done a lot as they have gone very far.
“They have some obstacles and we also looked at what is causing the obstacles and got to know that there are some buildings on natural waterways, which is causing obstructions and slowing down the spate of work being done by the construction firm.
“We also assured the contractors that all the buildings on the waterways, both in phase l and phase ll, will be brought down by the State Government to enable them to finish their work seamlessly.
“They have assured us that they need 21 days for some of the areas they have opened, that are causing gridlock, to be properly fixed and the drainage crossing Airport Road by Fani Kayode was cast on Saturday and they need about 19 days for that area to be fixed also.
“On phase l of the project, there are a lot of buildings on the waterways and l have called on the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Housing and Works to liaise with the Ministry of Lands to see how those buildings on waterways can be brought down to enable the construction firm to have unfettered access to do their work,” the governor said.