…Commission deploys equipment to Jesse, Ughelli, Otu-Jeremi, Isoko, others
By Evelyn Obibi-Assay,
The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has commenced an early intervention programme aimed at reducing the impact of flooding across vulnerable communities in the state, with the Board Chairman, Chief Barr. John Obukohwo Nani, saying the commission moved ahead of the rainy season following flood predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
Nani, who spoke on Saturday during an inspection of ongoing de-silting operations across Jesse, Ughelli and Otu-Jeremi, said the 2026 exercise was deliberately brought forward to prevent the recurring situation where interventions begin only after floodwaters have already overwhelmed communities.
“We came early this year, earlier than we used to. Most times, it is when the flood has come that we begin to act, but the Governor said we need to move early enough since NiMet has already predicted that Delta is one of the states that is going to be flooded,” Nani said.
He explained that as an interventionist agency, DESOPADEC was mandated by the Delta State Government to open blocked waterways, clear drainage channels and prepare flood-prone communities ahead of heavy rainfall.
According to him, the exercise aligns with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, particularly the administration’s commitment to environmental sustainability and proactive governance.
During the inspection, DESOPADEC teams were seen working simultaneously in different locations, including Moja Stream and Affighor Street in Jesse, where excavators were clearing blocked drains while a swamp buggy was deployed to remove silt from culverts.
At Moja Stream, Nani explained that the ongoing work was targeted at restoring the water flow channel from Genesis Road into the Ethiope River, while additional works were being carried out along GC Town Road.
He added that a new drainage channel was being constructed at Affighor Street, with the existing drainage system already cleared to improve water evacuation and reduce flooding risks in the area.
The DESOPADEC chairman also disclosed that the discharge point of the Agbarho canal, stretching from Agbarho main town to Agbarho River, had been opened to allow free flow of water.
Giving further updates on the exercise, Nani said extensive work had been completed in Ughelli, including the opening of major canals and drainage channels around Olori Estate, while a swamp buggy was currently working on culverts along the Ughelli road in Otu-Jeremi, Ughelli South.
“When that swamp buggy leaves there, it will go to Isoko. We are taking two swamp buggies to Isoko,” he added.
He further revealed that DESOPADEC teams had also spent about a week working in Ika North and Ika South, with Sapele scheduled to benefit from the exercise between Sunday and Wednesday.
However, Nani identified indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels as a major factor contributing to flooding in many communities.
“It is the people who are causing the clog of these cells. They dump their waste inside the drain, thinking that when the rain comes, it will take it to the river. Then the cells of the culvert will be blocked, and water will return to the community,” he said.
He noted that while DESOPADEC carries out annual sensitisation campaigns to discourage the practice, enforcement remains the responsibility of the Ministry of Environment.
Residents of Affighor Street, Jesse, welcomed the intervention, describing it as timely and capable of reducing flooding in the community.
Comrade Andrew Iweta said the clearing of the drainage channels would help redirect floodwater into the Ethiope River, thereby protecting homes and businesses in the area.
Mrs Evelyn Edafe Ogheneyoseme also commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Chief Nani and the DESOPADEC Board for the intervention, recalling previous community support initiatives by the chairman, including solar-powered lights, assistance to widows and annual food distribution programmes.
She, however, appealed for the provision of a solar-powered water borehole system to address water scarcity in the area.
In Otu-Jeremi, the coordinator of the exercise in Ughelli South and Ughelli North, Mr. Onoworemu Augustine, said his team was focused on de-silting the canal connecting the town to the river through the market area.
He expressed optimism that the improved compliance by residents in avoiding waste disposal into culverts would contribute significantly to preventing flooding in Ughelli South this year.
A former youth Vice President of Otu-Jeremi community, Alex Mukoro, also praised DESOPADEC and the state government for the intervention, while urging the commission to introduce youth empowerment programmes to complement its infrastructural efforts.
