SIR: With the effects of the flooding last year still fresh in our minds, most governments and individuals have started taking steps to mitigate further problems with the predictions that there will be more rains this year as compared to last year. It has been discovered that blocking of drainages and channels in cities and towns that were supposed to allow free flow of water and indiscriminate disposal of refuse are major causes of  flooding. I believe it is this awareness that has prompted the Delta State government at all levels and individuals to embark on rigorous clearing of channels and drainages as can be noticed in Warri and Effurun in particular. I must say that these efforts are highly commendable, most especially as individuals have joined to clear the channels around their shops, offices and homes.

Quite commendable as these efforts are, they may not achieve ultimate result because poor of implementation. When dirt and garbage are packed from these channels, they are simply left at the sides without disposing them immediately – sometimes for weeks, only for rain to fall and everything is washed back into the drainage. For me, this is what the scriptures call the labour of the foolish. At the end, no work is done, energy is dissipated and no result is achieved.

Clearing of drains and channels should be immediately followed with the disposal of the refuse to the appropriate dump sites and not allowing them to stay there. Most times, residents are helpless in disposing these heavy dumps hence government collaboration is highly needed in this regard. The Ministry of Environment should organise for clearing of dumps almost immediately during general sanitation days. They can even make available help lines to call for assistance. The local government must also increase efforts in this regard and do something definite in sensitising the people on proper waste disposal and also making available efficient systems that will enhance proper refuse disposal. The rains are here again and it is only a foolish man that will go to sleep when his house is on fire.

• Alexander Ighoro,

Warri, Delta State.