DESOPADEC Flags Off Canal Desilting in Warri, Warns Against Dumping Refuse on Water Channels

The Managing Director and CEO of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Chief Festus Ochonogor, has urged residents of Warri and other communities to stop blocking water channels by building or dumping refuse on them.

Chief Ochonogor made this call on Thursday, July 24, 2025, during the official flag-off of the canal desilting exercise along Okere Road to Esisi Road in Warri. The intervention, he said, is a collaboration between DESOPADEC and the Delta State Ministry of Environment aimed at mitigating the impact of flooding in the state.

Chief Festus Ochonogor

“The Commission has been at the forefront of desilting canals and drainages in our mandate areas over the years. With NIMET’s warning of impending flooding in Delta and other states, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has directed us to take urgent steps,” Chief Ochonogor stated.

He noted that the flood control intervention will cover several areas within DESOPADEC’s mandate, including Warri, Ughelli, Agbor, Kwale, Osubi, Sapele, Ashaka, and Aboh.

“We are starting in Warri, but we’ll proceed to Ozoro, Oleh, Jesse, and others. This is a multi-community intervention effort,” he added.

Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu

Also speaking at the event, Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu, Executive Director of Projects at DESOPADEC, echoed the warning against human activities that block water flow.

“The act of building or dumping waste directly on water channels is a major cause of flooding. Even as we intervene, our people must follow environmental regulations and stop these harmful practices,” he warned.

Dr. Okorodudu also called on Local Government Councils to step up enforcement against environmental degradation and pollution in flood-prone communities.

DESOPADEC canal desilting Warri

Meanwhile, residents of Okere Road expressed gratitude to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the DESOPADEC board for their timely response ahead of peak rainfall season.

“We are very happy for this intervention,” said Mrs. Jane Jacobs, a shop owner near the Okere Road Bridge. “Last year was devastating, but with this effort, we believe things will be better this time. May God bless them.”