In a bid to fulfill its pledge of maintaining a flood-free environment, the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, has intensified efforts to dredge and clean major drainage channels and canals across the state.
This initiative aims to curb the perennial issue of flooding in the region.
An inspection tour led by Chief John Nani, the Chairman of DESOPADEC, alongside Chief Festus Ochonoghor, the Managing Director, and Commissioner for Environment, Hon Ejiro Jamani, recently took place in Warri South and Okpe Local Government areas.
Following the tour, Chief Nani disclosed Governor Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori’s proactive strategy to mitigate flooding, emphasizing the directive to unblock waterways and canals to avert future inundation.
“In line with the MORE Agenda, the Governor is resolute in preventing flooding incidents in the state,” Chief Nani affirmed. He highlighted the deployment of over 9 swamp buggies across Delta State to clear blockages and maintain open water passages.
Chief Festus Ochonoghor, the Managing Director and CEO of DESOPADEC, assured that areas affected by flooding last year would be prioritized for resolution this year.
He outlined plans to extend the dredging and cleaning operations to Sapele, Isoko, Ika, Bomadi, Ndokwa, and other flood-prone regions within oil-bearing communities.
“The government’s commitment extends to ensuring the efficient functioning of drainage systems year-round,” Chief Ochonoghor reiterated.
He emphasized the replication of efforts seen in Warri South and Okpe across multiple vulnerable areas.
Addressing the media, Commissioner Ejiro Jamani Highlights the Ministry of Environment’s alignment with the Governor’s environmental sustainability agenda, as promised during his campaign.
Jamani urged residents to support the initiative by responsibly disposing of waste and refraining from dumping refuse into canals and drains.
“We have been sensitizing the public on various ways to preserve and protect our environment. The indiscriminate dumping of waste into canals and drainages must stop. We have only one earth and we must care for it,” he said.
He added that the collaborative efforts of DESOPADEC, the Ministry of Environment, and the state government reflect a united front in tackling flood-related challenges, signaling a proactive approach to safeguarding Delta State from future flooding disasters.
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