Delta Government Assures Action on Okpanam Erosion, Road Crisis

The Delta State Government has assured residents of Amachai Community in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area, that their concerns over the deteriorating Amachai Road and worsening erosion menace will receive prompt attention.

The assurance was given on Thursday by the Director of Protocol, Government House, Asaba, Olorogun Sunday Onoriode, during a peaceful protest by members of the Amachai Community Landlords Association.

Addressing the protesters on behalf of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Onoriode said the administration remained committed to people-centred governance and responsive to the developmental needs of communities across the state.

“I am here on the directive of the governor. You know him as a lover of development, and he has done so much for the people. I will convey this letter and everything you have said to him,” Onoriode told the protesters.

He assured residents that their complaints would be forwarded to the governor for consideration, while urging them to remain peaceful in their engagement with government.

“Be assured that this administration is dedicated to addressing the needs of the people and will continue to listen to and act on genuine concerns brought before it.

“As I was coming, I saw somebody throwing water from behind. That is very, very wrong because if you are making a genuine case, you do not need to act as if you are protesting with violence. That act is very condemnable.

“I will communicate your message to him, and by the grace of God, he will get back to you. Thank you very much”.

Earlier, Chairman of the Amachai Landlords Association, Mr. Chukwunenye Okonkwo, said residents had resorted to self-help efforts to maintain the road but could no longer cope with the extensive damage caused by heavy rainfall.

“First of all, we would like to thank our Governor for the great work he is doing across the state. We particularly appreciate the developments taking place, and we sincerely commend him for his efforts”.

He explained that despite repeated efforts by residents to fill damaged sections of the road with stones and other materials, the situation had continued to worsen.

According to him, the community’s biggest concern is the rapidly expanding erosion site, which channels floodwaters from Okpanam and neighbouring communities and now poses a serious threat to homes and infrastructure.

Residents called on the state government to urgently intervene to prevent further damage and protect lives and property in the area.