Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday, tasked officials of the Town Planning Office and other regulatory authorities to ensure strict compliance with the town planning and urban development laws. Oborevwori said that a safe, secure and flood-free environment requires cooperation and strong partnership of regulatory officials and the public.

He made the call, yesterday, when the National President and executive members of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, led by Nathaniel Atebije, visited him at Government House, Asaba.

The governor said the theme of the conference, ‘Planning Nigerian Settlements for Climate Change Adaptation and Flood Resilience,’ was timely in view of the devastating effects of flooding in the country.

According to him, “town planning is a critical factor in preventing flooding in our urban centres and communities. The indiscriminate construction of buildings on waterways is something that must be addressed.

“This is a very timely topic, given the growing concerns about the problems associated with Climate Change and Global Warming. As you may be aware, Delta State is a coastal state, faced with problems of erosion and flooding.”

“The Delta State capital, Asaba, and the commercial capital, Warri, are two of the hardest hit. But, I am glad to inform you that the problem of flooding in Asaba has been reduced because of the storm drainage.”