DELTA: Ndokwa East LGA Shutdown Secretariat For 2 Weeks Over Flooding 

The Ndokwa East Local Government Area (NELGA), with headquarters in Aboh, Delta State, Nigeria has shutdown it’s secretariat for two week due to  flood.

The Executive Chairman, Ndokwa East LGA , Juan Amechee Governor who disclosed this on Monday, 3rd October 2022 stated that the Flood Management Committee has been set up for the various INEC wards in the LGA, adding that Aboh – Ashaka road and majority of the community roads have been taken over by the flood.

The chairman said the closure of the secretariat at Aboh was aimed not to expose  staff to the unsafe boat commuting as most of the key staff may not be able to afford the cost implication pointing out that the council is not disposed to foot such bills and cannot encourage such water commuting with the associated risks under the circumstances.

The chairman added that although the Ashaka – Kwale and Ashaka – Arhade road is safe for commuting as the flood has not encroached these roads as at time of this press release.

Governor stressed that the committee will be going round the enter LGA to assess, evaluate and establish the current onsite situation, assess the associated potential risks and develop immediate need evaluation for further actions.

He added that:”At the moment, the LGA secretariat at Aboh, the HQ of the LGA has been temporarily shut down for two weeks to enable us evaluate the situation after which we may have to operate from Ashaka until the flood recedes and the Aboh road becomes safe for commuting. However, critical staff would be working from home at this time.

“As many of us may been aware, this year’s flood has taken over about almost all the communities in our LGA and there is a possibility of more communities getting submerged within the next few weeks.

“As many of us may be aware too, apart from the several warnings, we are yet to get any directive from State and Federal Government as well as all relevant agencies with respect to setting up of IDP camps and other responsive actions.

Continuing, he affirmed that” On the part of the LGA Council, the LGA flood Management Committee has been set up for the various INEC wards in the LGA as earlier published.

” In addition to item 5 above, this week the committee will be going round the enter LGA to assess, evaluate and establish the current onsite situation, assess the associated potential risks and develop immediate need assessment for further actions.

“We regret any inconvenience this office closure may cause us as we look forward to normal business as soon as we can. Kindly refer to the earlier press release and refer all concerns, suggestions and information regarding each ward to the committees for necessary action and follow up.

“All Community Leaders, Women, Youths and other stakeholders are hereby encouraged to do everything they can to sensitize their people, monitor and enforce all possible strategies in their various communities across NELGA to ensure that no life is lost during the flood season.

Primarily, the chairman recommended that  residents should adhere to  water travel safety measures;  and avoid overloading; ensure you use life jacket during travel period; avoid low spots, like ditches, basements, or underpasses.

“Do not walk through flooded areas; If you have to walk in water, wherever possible, walk where the water is not moving; Do not drive into flooded areas; Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water; Know the weather; Let your people know about any trip you are embarking on, before your journey, during the trip and post arrival. Put Safety First, After God in all you do now and going forward.”

However, Governor assured that the federal, state, local government and all relevant agencies will be working in collaboration with partners, saying concerned Institutions are doing everything possible to help the people stay safe , hence the need for everyone to remain calm.