DESOPADEC Intensifies Flood Control Across Delta as Nani, Ochonogor, Others Inspect De-Silting Projects in Sapele, Kwale, Uvwie

The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has intensified its statewide flood mitigation campaign with extensive de-silting and drainage clearance operations across multiple oil-producing communities, as residents and stakeholders commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration for taking early action against anticipated flooding.

The intervention, which forms part of the state’s environmental protection strategy ahead of peak rainfall, saw DESOPADEC leadership embark on field inspections across Uvwie, Sapele, Kwale and adjoining communities to assess progress and ensure sustained execution of the exercise.

Nani, Ochonogor Lead Inspection as DESOPADEC Moves Early Against Flood Threat

Chairman of the DESOPADEC Board, Chief John Obukohwo Nani, alongside Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Festus Ochonogor, inspected ongoing canal and drainage clearance works across mandate areas to evaluate progress and reinforce implementation efforts.

The inspection commenced at Niger Cat Road in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, where a swamp buggy was deployed to remove accumulated debris from major canals. Officials explained that adjoining canals at Charlisco Phase 2 and Chinkelly Road had earlier been cleared to improve water discharge into the Jeddo River.

The delegation also visited Aka Avenue, Jakpa Road, and Deeper Life Road off Sokoh Estate Road, where heavy deposits of waste were being evacuated from waterways.

Speaking during the inspection, Chief Nani disclosed that the exercise was initiated earlier than previous years following flood predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and directives from Governor Oborevwori.

According to him, the intervention aligns with the governor’s M.O.R.E. Agenda and is intended to open flood-prone areas before heavy rainfall peaks.

Nani blamed indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains as a major contributor to blocked waterways and urged residents to adopt proper waste disposal through approved Private Sector Participants (PSPs).

DESOPADEC MD/CEO, Chief Festus Ochonogor, said the operation would continue in phases through July and August to expand coverage and reduce the impact of predicted flooding across vulnerable communities.

Kwale, Ndokwa Communities Commend Sustained Drainage Intervention

In Ndokwa Nation, DESOPADEC extended the de-silting and drainage clearance exercise across major streets in Kwale, including F & F Road, Apa Street, IPO Street and adjoining drainage corridors.

The intervention attracted commendation from community leaders and residents who described the exercise as a timely response to long-standing flooding challenges.

Officials from the Department of Environment in Ndokwa West Local Government monitored the operation, while sanitation workers and artisans removed silt, weeds and waste materials obstructing water flow.

Member representing Ndokwa ethnic nationality on the DESOPADEC Board, Dr. Charles Olisa, also monitored ongoing works covering F & F Street, Apa Street and sections of the Kwale–Asaba Expressway.

Speaking during the inspection, Dr. Olisa reaffirmed DESOPADEC’s commitment to people-oriented interventions and advised residents against building on drainage pathways and indiscriminate waste disposal.

Community stakeholders including Host Community Chairman, Deacon Chris Ameachi Nwose, and youth representatives applauded Governor Oborevwori, DESOPADEC Chairman John Nani and MD Festus Ochonogor for sustaining environmental interventions in the area.

Residents said the drainage restoration was already improving water flow and reducing fears of flooding as rainfall intensifies.

Sapele, Uvwie Residents Welcome Canal Clearance as DESOPADEC Expands Operations

In Sapele, DESOPADEC continued its annual de-silting campaign with emphasis on opening blocked drains and canals to tackle recurring flooding.

Board Member representing Sapele, Okpe and Ethiope West, Chief Julius Egbedi, who monitored activities across affected locations, described the exercise as a yearly necessity.

According to him, clearing drainage systems had become critical to preventing residents from abandoning their homes during periods of heavy rainfall.

Major works were executed along Akintola Road beginning from Awolowo Junction on Okpe Road, while swamp buggies cleared accumulated waste and restored water channels.

Residents praised the intervention and urged continued support for flood-prone areas including Amukpe Road.

In Uvwie, canal clearance continued at Egbe Layout off Sokoh Estate Road where excavators removed embedded boulders obstructing water movement.

Landlords and residents expressed optimism that the operation would significantly reduce flooding and restore normal living conditions.

At Agbarha in Ughelli North Local Government Area, de-silting activities were concluded after waterways around the market axis and adjoining communities were reopened.

DESOPADEC confirmed that the exercise would continue in additional riverine and flood-prone communities as part of efforts to strengthen environmental resilience and protect lives and property across Delta State.