By Chancel Bomadi Sunday

BURUTU — Niger Delta environmental activist and peace advocate, Comrade (Dr) Sheriff Mulade, has warned the Delta State Government of an imminent environmental disaster if indiscriminate and uncontrolled dredging activities across riverine communities are not urgently addressed.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Mulade called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to take proactive steps to regulate dredging operations, warning that the increasing rate of excavation poses serious threats to coastal communities, public infrastructure and the environment.

He expressed concern that many dredging activities were being carried out without adequate regard for their long-term environmental impact, particularly in areas located close to major roads, highways and bridges.

According to him, continuous excavation near critical infrastructure could weaken the soil supporting roads and bridges, increasing the risk of structural failures and exposing communities to avoidable disasters.

“Several dredging sites are located dangerously close to major highways, roads and bridges, creating fears that continuous excavation could weaken the soil structure supporting vital infrastructure and expose communities to preventable disasters,” he said.

Mulade acknowledged that dredging remains an important economic activity but stressed that operators must comply with environmental regulations and global best practices to ensure public safety is not compromised.

“The state government must not persist in disregarding the environmental repercussions of indiscriminate dredging near major infrastructure, as it poses a grave threat to public safety. Roads and bridges are strategic assets that serve millions of people daily, and if the safety of these infrastructures is compromised, the consequences could be catastrophic,” he stated.

He urged Governor Oborevwori, the Delta State Ministry of Environment and other regulatory agencies to strengthen environmental monitoring and enforce compliance at all dredging sites across the state.

The environmental advocate also linked the growing risks to the effects of climate change, noting that the increasing frequency and intensity of flooding in Delta State require urgent implementation of practical climate resilience measures.

According to him, government should prioritise preventive strategies capable of protecting vulnerable communities from flooding, erosion, land degradation and infrastructure failure rather than relying solely on emergency response.

“The cost of prevention is always far lower than the cost of reconstruction if infrastructure collapses. Government must act before lives and properties are endangered,” he said.

Mulade further proposed the establishment of community-based flood volunteer networks across the state, explaining that local residents are often the first to detect rising water levels, erosion and blocked drainage channels.

He warned that failure to act promptly could expose many communities to severe flooding, erosion, infrastructure failures and avoidable economic losses.

“With decisive leadership, effective regulation and active community participation, Delta State could successfully mitigate emerging environmental threats while ensuring sustainable development for present and future generations,” he added.