Youths of the Ikabigbo community, Etsako West Local Government of Edo State have embarked on the clearing of drainages in the community as part of efforts to addressing flooding in the area.
Speaking with Niger Delta Trust, the traditional ruler of the community, Chief Braimah Alegeh, said the clearing of the drainages became necessary due to flood ravaging the communities.
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He said: “It is not in everything we had to wait for the government to do for us. If there is flooding, we would be the one to suffer from it and not the government.”
He said the community is out to do what is within its power and would call on the state government when the need arises.
“So, we have to use communal labour so that we can save our community from flooding. The various age groups in the community came out en mass when we called on them and the work is progressing”
Also speaking, the leader of the youths, Hon. Zibiri Muhammed, former Secretary, Etsako West Local Government, said the youths decided to clear the drainages to save the roads from being destroyed by flood.
“We have been experiencing heavy rain in the past weeks and the drainages have been blocked and we have to protect our community by clearing the drainages to ensure free flow of water.”
According to him, the gesture is the community’s way of supporting the state government’s efforts at making life easier for the people.
“The exercise is supported by all sons and daughters of the community, as those who are not physically present supported the work financially.
“As you can see the work is progressing and you can also see the hips of sand removed from the drainages, the sand would be used to sandfill the streets already flooded,” he said.
Muhammed commended the youths who trooped out to participate in the exercise, noting that with unity, development of the community would be achieved.
He explained that clearing of the drainages is one of the several activities lined up by sons and daughters of the community.
