DESOPADEC Intensified Flood Prevention Campaign Across Delta’s Oil-Producing Communities

Early Intervention Targets Peak Rainfall

THE Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) intensified its flood mitigation campaign across several oil-producing communities, carrying out extensive de-silting and drainage clearance operations ahead of the peak of the rainy season.

The environmental intervention, undertaken in line with the Delta State Government’s flood preparedness strategy, covered Uvwie, Sapele, Kwale, Agbarha and adjoining communities identified as vulnerable to seasonal flooding.

The exercise was designed to improve water flow through blocked canals and drainage channels, thereby reducing the risk of flooding that has historically affected many communities during periods of heavy rainfall.

DESOPADEC Leadership Inspects Ongoing Projects

To assess progress, DESOPADEC Board Chairman, Chief John Obukohwo Nani, and the Commission’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Festus Ochonogor, led inspection visits to several project sites.

The inspection began at Niger Cat Road in Effurun, where swamp buggies removed accumulated debris from major canals. Officials also inspected drainage clearance works at Charlisco Phase 2, Chinkelly Road, Aka Avenue, Jakpa Road and Deeper Life Road off Sokoh Estate Road.

According to Nani, the operation commenced earlier than in previous years following flood forecasts issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and directives from Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to proactively address flood risks.

He urged residents to complement government efforts by avoiding indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels and by making use of approved waste disposal service providers.

Communities Welcome Government Intervention

DESOPADEC extended similar drainage restoration works to Ndokwa West, where canals and drains along F & F Road, Apa Street, IPO Street and sections of the Kwale–Asaba Expressway were cleared.

Board Member representing Ndokwa ethnic nationality, Dr. Charles Olisa, monitored the exercise and reiterated the Commission’s commitment to projects that directly improve the welfare of residents.

He advised property owners against building on drainage corridors while encouraging communities to adopt responsible environmental practices.

Community leaders, including Host Community Chairman, Deacon Chris Ameachi Nwose, and youth representatives, commended Governor Oborevwori and DESOPADEC’s leadership for responding to longstanding flooding concerns.

Flood Mitigation Expands Across Delta

In Sapele, drainage clearance focused on Akintola Road beginning from Awolowo Junction on Okpe Road, while swamp buggies removed silt and refuse from canals to restore water flow.

At Egbe Layout in Uvwie, heavy equipment cleared embedded rocks and accumulated waste from major waterways, while de-silting operations were also completed around the market axis in Agbarha, Ughelli North Local Government Area.

DESOPADEC disclosed that the intervention would continue throughout July and August, extending to additional riverine and flood-prone communities.

The Commission said the sustained environmental campaign forms part of broader efforts to strengthen climate resilience, minimise flood damage and protect lives, livelihoods and public infrastructure across Delta State.