By Ejememo Igho & Evelyn Obibi-Assay
Chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Hon. Barr. John Obukokwho Nani, has urged Local Government Councils across the state to strictly enforce laws against illegal dumping of refuse in water channels.
Nani made this call on Friday, July 25, 2025, during an inspection of ongoing desilting works at the Okere/Esisi Road canal in Warri, Warri South Local Government Area, undertaken by DESOPADEC.
He emphasized that while DESOPADEC is lending a hand as directed by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, environmental enforcement lies squarely within the responsibilities of local councils.
"My advice is that the people around this area should jealously guard this waterway, devoid of deliberate dumping of waste inside because it is the waste that is blocking the water channels. We can see the massive refuse and debris being evacuated by the contractor," Nani stated.
"I want to also use this opportunity to appeal to the Local Government Councils to intensify actions in any way possible to arrest the unwholesome activity of dumping waste inside canals," he added.
Reacting to the intervention, Supervisory Councillor of Warri South LGA, Hon. Femi Okorodidien, noted that the council had already initiated plans to clear the canal before DESOPADEC’s involvement. He blamed some residents who dump waste at night for hampering cleanup efforts.
"A few weeks ago, the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Weyimi Agbatewenyimi, had approved the clearing and desilting of this canal before this intervention by DESOPADEC. We are very thankful to the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and the Board of DESOPADEC for this proactive intervention," Okorodidien said.
Sanitarian Stella Nde, Head of Environmental Health at Warri South LGA, also praised DESOPADEC's efforts, disclosing that arrests and prosecutions have been carried out against persistent offenders.
Meanwhile, heavy equipment including a pay loader and swamp buggy were actively engaged in the massive evacuation of refuse and debris from the canal.
