By Elohor Foghola,
Individuals responsible for obstructing waterways through indiscriminate dumping of refuse in Isoko communities risk facing sanctions as the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) intensifies efforts to curb recurring flooding.
The Member representing the Isoko ethnic nationality on the DESOPADEC Board, Hon. Victor Egbo, issued the warning on Friday, June 26, 2026, during an inspection of ongoing flood control projects where the Commission is carrying out its annual de-silting and clearing of drainage channels ahead of the peak of the rainy season.
Hon. Egbo explained that DESOPADEC regularly clears blocked waterways to reduce the impact of flooding, but stressed that the sustainability of the intervention largely depends on residents' cooperation and responsible actions.
He noted that investigations into persistent flooding in some communities revealed that clogged drainage channels, largely due to improper waste disposal, remained a major contributor to the problem.
“We have repeatedly appealed to residents not to dump refuse into waterways because it obstructs the free flow of water and causes flooding. Government cannot continue to spend resources clearing drains only for them to be blocked again,” he said.
To tackle the challenge, the DESOPADEC Board Member disclosed that the Commission would collaborate with Local Government environmental task forces to strengthen enforcement of sanitation regulations.
He proposed that residents caught dumping refuse into drainage channels should bear the cost of clearing the affected waterways with a swamp buggy as part of measures to discourage the practice.
“Those blocking our waterways will be made to pay. If offenders are made to pay for the swamp buggy for one day, it will serve as a deterrent, and others will think twice before engaging in such acts,” he stated.
Hon. Egbo pointed out that the Delta State Government has provided designated waste disposal points through Private Sector Participants (PSPs), stressing that there was no justification for residents to dispose of refuse into drainage channels.
He commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for prioritising flood control across the state, noting that the Governor had directed the execution of flood mitigation projects simultaneously across all 25 Local Government Areas to reduce the impact of seasonal flooding on communities.
