By Ejememo Igho, Joyce Akpalikpo
The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has commenced the desilting of major canals and water channels in Warri, with Managing Director/CEO, Chief Festus Ochonogor, appealing to residents to cease indiscriminate refuse disposal and construction on waterways.
Ochonogor emphasised that such activities are primary contributors to blocked channels and perennial flooding in the area.
Chief Ochonogor made the call today, Thursday, July 24, 2025, while addressing the media at the flagging off of the desilting exercise of the Okere Road to Esisi Road canals. This initiative, undertaken by DESOPADEC in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, is a proactive measure against the impending floods predicted by NIMET for Delta State.
"The Commission has consistently worked on desilting canals and blocked drainages in our mandate areas for years," Chief Ochonogor stated. "Given NIMET's prediction for this year on impending flooding across various flood-prone states, including Delta, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has directed us to intervene to mitigate the anticipated impact."
The intervention's scope extends beyond Warri to numerous flood-prone communities within DESOPADEC's mandate areas. These include Ughelli, Agbor, Kwale, Osubi, Sapele, Ashaka, Aboh, Ozoro, Oleh, and Jesse, among others.
Echoing the call, Olorogun Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu, Executive Director Projects (EDP) at DESOPADEC, highlighted the significant human factor in community flooding, specifically the deliberate dumping of refuse and illegal building on waterways. "I am appealing to our people to avoid this deliberate act," Dr. Okorodudu urged. "Despite the Governor's directive for our intervention, people must adhere strictly to environmental regulations by disposing of waste at designated points, not in water channels or drainages." He further called on Local Government Councils to intensify efforts in discouraging environmental degradation and pollution among residents.
Warri residents, including Mrs. Jane Jacobs, a shop owner near the Okere Road bridge, expressed gratitude and commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the DESOPADEC Board for their swift action. They noted that the exercise would significantly alleviate the hardships experienced during peak rainy seasons, especially in September. "We are very happy for this intervention... We are sure now that we are not going to suffer the devastation we experienced last year. May God bless them,” Mrs. Jacobs remarked.
