By Evelyn Obibi-Assay, Joyce Akpalikpo,
Chairman of the Board of DESOPADEC, Olorogun Bar. John Obukowho Nani, alongside the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Chief Festus Ochonogor and the Executive Director of Projects, Olorogun Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu, today, 30th July 2025, in conjunction with the Ministry of Environment, Delta State, inspected the ongoing de-silting exercise being carried out by the Commission to determine the extent of work done.
The exercise aims to mitigate the impact of the impending flood as predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET).
The DESOPADEC team, accompanied by media reporters from major broadcast stations in the State, commenced the inspection with a visit to the canal situated at Okere road, where they expressed satisfaction with the work carried out at the canal as water was seen flowing smoothly without obstruction.
A visibly happy resident, Madam Lizzy Ukpebitere, expressed her gratitude to the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and DESOPADEC for the intervention.
"We've been going through a lot of pain due to heavy flooding, but the clearing of the canal has brought us major relief," she said.
The team thereafter inspected an ongoing canal de-silting work being carried out at Ajamimogha Link Road, where a swamp buggy stationed at the canal was seen clearing the heavily silted canal, which leads to the back of the Olu's Palace.
At Lower Erejuwa Road, the team inspected a canal where a swamp buggy was clearing debris. However, the Chairman of the DESOPADEC Board, Bar. John Obukowho Nani expressed his disappointment with a resident who built a makeshift welding and fabrication shop beside the canal, making it difficult for the swamp buggy to properly clear off the waste. He therefore directed representatives of the State's Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ejiro Jamani, to serve the owner an evacuation notice.
The inspection team thereafter visited Warri/Sapele Road, where an already cleaned canal by Aghogho Motors was inspected. They also visited Jesse, where a massive blocked drains clearing exercise was underway.
Areas inspected include Olympia Road, Akpaka Street, Inene Street, and Idhereaka.
The Clan Otota of Idjerhe Kingdom, Chief Onosia James, expressed gratitude to the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and DESOPADEC Board for the exercise.
"We'll set up a task force to apprehend those who dump waste indiscriminately," he promised.
The team also inspected an ongoing canal desilting work at New Road in Sapele Local Government Area. A swamp buggy was stationed there, clearing a heavily silted canal that leads to One Man Village, Sapele Clinic, Ojotu, Uruahkpa, Otorn, and finally discharges at the River Ethiope.
Speaking to newsmen after the exercise, Bar. Nani said the exercise is a proactive effort by the State Government in conjunction with the Commission to mitigate the impact of flooding in the State.
"We're working tirelessly to clear clogged drainages and culverts to ensure free flow of water. We urge residents to cooperate with us by averting indiscriminate dumping of wastes in waterways and building of structures on floodplains," Bar. Nani advised.
He further emphasised the existing laws and bylaws that prohibit dumping waste in waterways, stating that those who flout these laws will be prosecuted.
To further mitigate the impact of flooding, Bar. Nani further advised the Federal Government to consider building buffer dams to regulate water flow to prevent flooding in communities.
The exercise is expected to cover various communities, including Warri, Effurun, Udu, Ughelli, Sapele, Isoko, Ndokwa, and others.
