The Rivers Task Force on Environmental Sanitation says it has commenced the desilting of primary and secondary drains to check flooding in the state.

The task force chairman, Isobo Jack, disclosed this on Monday during the inauguration of a road leading to the agency’s dumpsite in Aluu, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.

He stated that the agency was working to employ proactive measures to mitigate the impending flash flood, earlier predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.

Mr Jack also said the task force and the state Ministry of Environment would collaborate to identify key areas that required the desilting of drains and canals.

He said that while the agency would be concerned about primary drains, the ministry would focus on secondary drains.

He said the new road to the dumpsite, built with concrete, would enhance access to the site and the overall performance of the service providers.

“We are working round the clock to ensure effective dumpsite management so as to give our service providers relative comfort in terms of equipment maintenance and usage.

“Though we had some challenges at the outset of our operations, we have so far been able to relatively tackle some, and we also look forward to increased efficiency,” Mr Jack said.

(NAN)