DESOPADEC Launches Early Flood Prevention Drive Across Delta Communities
Commission expands statewide desilting operations in flood-prone communities as authorities move to mitigate anticipated flooding ahead of peak rainfall season.
Early Intervention Strategy Takes Shape
THE Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has intensified efforts to reduce the impact of seasonal flooding across oil-producing communities through an extensive drainage clearance and desilting campaign.
The intervention, which entered its second week, has spread across several communities including Jesse, Ughelli, Otu-Jeremi, Kwale, Sapele and adjoining areas. Heavy-duty equipment, including excavators and swamp buggies, has been deployed to clear blocked canals, drainage channels and culverts in preparation for expected heavy rains.
According to DESOPADEC Chairman, Chief Barr. John Obukohwo Nani, the decision to commence operations earlier than previous years followed flood forecasts released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which identified Delta State among areas vulnerable to flooding in 2026.
He explained that the initiative aligns with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s directive for proactive environmental management aimed at preventing avoidable disasters and protecting lives and property.
Major Drainage Projects Underway
At Jesse in Ethiope West Local Government Area, workers have begun dredging operations at Moja Stream while simultaneously constructing new drainage infrastructure along Affighor Street. Existing channels linking communities to River Ethiope are also being reopened to improve water flow.
DESOPADEC confirmed that similar interventions have been carried out at the Agbarho canal discharge point, which serves as an important water outlet connecting surrounding communities to the river system.
In the Ughelli and Otu-Jeremi axis, swamp buggies have been deployed to remove debris and restore blocked waterways. Authorities disclosed that several drainage corridors within Ughelli, including those serving Olori Estate, have already been cleared.
The Commission also revealed plans to extend operations to Isoko communities, while environmental intervention teams continue work in Ika North and Ika South Local Government Areas.
Residents Welcome Flood Mitigation Measures
The exercise has attracted widespread support from residents who have endured years of seasonal flooding.
Community members in Jesse described the reopening of drainage channels as a major relief capable of reducing recurrent flood incidents.
Some residents also used the opportunity to appeal for complementary development projects, including solar-powered water schemes and youth empowerment initiatives that could further improve living conditions.
In Otu-Jeremi, residents reported growing awareness about proper environmental practices and expressed optimism that this year’s flooding would be significantly reduced.
Sapele and Ndokwa Communities Benefit
The campaign has also extended to Ndokwa communities where environmental teams commenced extensive desilting work across key drainage corridors in Kwale.
Officials supervised the clearing of blocked waterways along Apa Street, Alamaossai Street and adjoining routes, removing accumulated silt and restoring drainage capacity ahead of the rainy season.
In Sapele, DESOPADEC targeted major canals and drainage networks that have contributed to recurring floods over the years.
Work commenced at Awolowo Junction before expanding to major roads and canal systems, including Okpe Road, Akintola Road, Owumi Road and Aka Avenue Canal.
Local leaders described the intervention as critical to preventing the annual displacement of residents during periods of intense rainfall.
Call for Public Cooperation
While expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded, DESOPADEC officials stressed that lasting success depends on public cooperation.
The Commission identified indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels as a major factor responsible for blocked waterways and recurring floods across many communities.
Residents have therefore been urged to adopt proper waste disposal practices and support environmental protection efforts.
As the statewide campaign continues, authorities remain hopeful that early intervention and community participation will significantly reduce flood risks across Delta State’s oil-producing areas during the 2026 rainy season.
