DESOPADEC Intensifies Statewide Flood Control Efforts with Inspections in Ashaka and Orhunworun

The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has stepped up its flood control measures with simultaneous inspections of ongoing de-silting works in Ashaka, Ndokwa East LGA, and Orhunworun, Udu LGA, as part of efforts to address perennial flooding in its mandate areas.

On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, DESOPADEC Board Chairman Olorogun John Nani visited Ashaka to assess progress on the clearing of blocked drainage channels. Accompanied by Dr. Charles Olisa, Member representing the Ndokwa ethnic nationality, Nani reiterated the Commission’s commitment to delivering on its core mandate, stressing that the intervention aims to minimize flash flooding by ensuring free water flow through cleared channels.

Nani and Olisa Inspects De-Silting of Drainages in Ashaka

He urged residents to desist from dumping waste into drainages, warning that such practices could undermine the Commission’s efforts. Dr. Olisa commended the inspection and appealed for the de-silting exercise to be extended to other parts of Ndokwa land.

In a parallel development, Hon. Oghenekaro Jonathan Goru, Member representing the Urhobo ethnic nationality, inspected similar works at Orhunworun. He praised Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for supporting DESOPADEC’s extensive flood control interventions across the state, describing them as “critical to alleviating the plight of residents in flood-prone areas.”

Goru Inpects Desilting of Drain in Udu

Goru explained that the Orhunworun road drainage, whose discharge point is near a railway line, had long been blocked, causing backflow into nearby buildings. He noted that clearing the silt and debris will restore proper water discharge and prevent further flooding.

Residents in both communities expressed appreciation for the interventions. In Orhunworun, Chief Mrs. Anne Ojiyovwi hailed the project as the first thorough government-led drainage clearance in years, while others lauded the Governor and DESOPADEC for their timely response.

The ongoing de-silting works, supported by the Ministry of Environment, are part of the state’s MORE Agenda under Governor Oborevwori and align with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Initiative to improve infrastructure, public health, and environmental safety in oil-producing areas.