The Member representing the Ndokwa ethnic nationality on the Governing Board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Dr. Charles Olisa, on Monday, August 11, 2025, inspected the ongoing desilting of blocked drainage channels in Ashaka, Ndokwa East LGA.
The exercise is part of DESOPADEC’s initiative to mitigate flooding in the area.
During the inspection exercise, Dr. Olisa reiterated that the desilting exercise is ongoing throughout the state as part of the MORE agenda of Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State to ensure that Delta State is free from flooding.
He said the Board, ably led by the Chairman of the Board, Olorogun John Nani and MD/CEO, Chief Festus Ochonogor, is poised to address the yearnings of the people and has been proactive since its inception.
The de-silting work is being carried out simultaneously at various locations, including Hospital Road, Ashaka Market Road, and its environs.
Residents, traders, and staff of Ashaka General Hospital are thrilled, anticipating minimized flooding incidents.
The project aims to mitigate the impact of flooding, yielding positive implications including reduced risk of flooding and associated damage, improved drainage and sanitation, enhanced safety and health well-being and increased economic activities.
This initiative aligns with the Delta State Government’s “MORE Agenda” under Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori and the Federal Government’s “Renewed Hope Initiative” led by President Bola Tinubu.
A meat seller at the Ashaka market, Mrs. Augustina Ossai expressed her gratitude to the Board of DESOPADEC for the good work being carried out and pledged to ensure that the de-silted area close to her stall will be kept clean.
The Ashaka Youth President, Comrade Ona Chukwudi thanked DESOPADEC’s Board for the massive work being done, stating that before now, flooding in Ashaka was very bad, but since the Commission started its yearly intervention, the water has been flowing to the river, and the people are happy.
Mr. Oshogba Precious, the President of Environmental Health Workers in Delta State appealed to the Board to help them get waste bins to put in strategic places in the community to checkmate indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the drainages, stating that as environmental Officers, they shall carry out a sensitization awareness campaign to educate the people and that measures have been put in place to punish all defaulters.
Dr. Charles Olisa was accompanied during the inspection exercise by Comrade Kingsley Iweka; Mr. Monday Akpe (Head of Environment Department, Ndokwa East LGA); Comrade Tom Onah (Youth President, Ashaka Community) and other dignitaries.
