You must enforce town planning laws without fear, favor, CDHR tells Delta Govt

Following the heavy rain and the flood that is currently ravaging communities in virtually all local government areas, the Delta State Branch of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR today said the Delta State Government through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, must enforce town planning laws without fear or favour.

The CDHR said this in a statement signed by Comrade Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen and Comr. Nosa Oveseey Godswill, Chairman and Publicity Secretary respectively. 

It insisted that, "There must be proper waste disposal management and regular evacuation of refuse by government.

"Continuous public sensitization and awareness campaigns must be embarked upon to promote a culture of environmental maintenance."

The Committee saud the heavy rain fall has resulted in widespread flooding of major tarred roads with major tarred roads submerged. 

The Committee said, "This unfortunate situation highlights the failure of town planning processes and weak enforcement of relevant laws and regulations that should have mitigated these environmental impacts." 

According to the CDHR, "It should serve as a wake-up call to the Delta State Government and its relevant town planning authorities.

The CDHR also observed that, "Encroachment on Waterways: Waterways have been converted to hostels for hotels, mansions, and business premises.

"Blocked Drainages: Drainages can no longer channel water effectively. Many gutters are filled with dirt and refuse dumps.

"Poor Drainage Infrastructure: A host of residential areas lack appropriate drainage systems to channel water and prevent erosion and road damage."

The CDHR also commended the Warri South Council Chairman, Hon. Weyinmi Isaac Agbateyiniro for intensified operations to canalized water paths in his area. 

"We commend a few Local Government Chairmen who are investing in flood prevention. A good example is Hon. Agbateyiniro, Chairman of Warri South LGA, who has intensified operations to canalize water paths in his area."

The CDHR said, "However, such efforts will amount to wasted resources if the relevant planning laws are not strictly enforced. Lands designated as waterways must never be allocated for business or residential purposes."

It further noted that, "Poor waste management has forced many residents to dump refuse on public roads, in gutters, and even into rivers. Government must take full control of waste disposal management and not leave it entirely in the hands of private operators."

The CDHR also warned that,"Development without planning is disaster." just as it urged government at all levels to act now before more communities are lost to avoidable floods.