By Ochuko Akuopha

ASABA — The Delta State Government has directed the immediate desilting and clearing of drainage channels and canals across vulnerable communities following warnings of possible flooding in the state.

In compliance with the directive, Chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Olorogun John Nani, alongside the Commission’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Festus Ochonogor, led an inspection team to assess ongoing drainage and canal desilting projects in parts of the state.

Speaking during the tour, Nani said the government acted swiftly after forecasts by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) identified Delta as one of the states likely to experience flooding this year.

“The state government directed that we move into vulnerable communities within our mandate areas and clear blocked drains and canals before the rains intensify,” he said.

Nani added that the government remains committed to reducing flooding through ongoing stormwater drainage projects across the state.

He said the flood mitigation exercise is ongoing in Ekpan, Refinery Road in Uvwie, Sapele, Otu-Jeremi, Jesse, Oleri Estate in Ughelli, Agbarho, Ika, Ndokwa and other communities.

Blaming recurring floods on indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels, he said: “These waterways are meant to protect lives and property, but many people use them as dumping grounds. When drains are clogged, water returns to the communities.”

Ochonogor described the exercise as the first phase of a statewide flood-prevention initiative.

Sapele Local Government Council Chairman, Chief Bright Abeke, commended the state government for directing DESOPADEC to support local governments in tackling flooding. He said the intervention would help protect lives and property across affected communities.