The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, today, Wednesday, 20th August, 2025, extended its ongoing de-silting exercise to the Effurun GRA in Uvwie Local Government Area.
This initiative, carried out in conjunction with the State Ministry of Environment is aimed at mitigating the effects of the impending flood and bring relief to citizens in flood-prone areas.
The exercise which commenced some Weeks ago across DESOPADEC mandate areas was well appreciated by some residents of the Effurun GRA who, while speaking with DESOPADEC Media, expressed gratitude to the State Government and DESOPADEC for the yearly exercise, noting that it has significantly reduced flooding in the area.
Mr. Peter Eteme, a resident, highlighted the positive impact of the exercise, saying, “The yearly clearing of drains around this GRA has helped us a lot. Water used to gather in front of the Catholic Church and other areas with slight rainfall.
“However, we need to take responsibility for keeping our drains clear, as debris and blockages can render these efforts fruitless.”
Another resident, Mr. Felix Agbigbe attributed flooding in the area to the uncleared canal across the Effurun/Ughelli road, adding that the road construction company, Julius Berger is currently working on the canal alongside their flyover project.
A food vendor by name, Lilian Onyebuchi was all smiles as she couldn’t help showing her appreciation to DESOPADEC for the exercise.
“This work DESOPADEC is doing is giving me joy. The drains were always filled up whenever it rained, thereby producing a very unpleasant smell around this place and always making my customers uncomfortable and thus, affecting my sales.As you can see, I sell food here. Anywhere one sells food is supposed to be free of such stench. May God bless Oborevwori and DESOPADEC,” Onyebuchi said.
During the exercise, workers encountered obstacles including a huge log of timber and a caked bag of cement placed in a drain by some residents near St. Jude Catholic Church. This action slowed down the work, highlighting the need for citizens to cooperate with the authorities in preventing flooding.
The de-silting exercise covered several areas in Effurun GRA, including Council Road; Ofeye Uvoh Close; Prince Kohwo Road; Chief Victoria Atiti Close; parts of High Court Road; Brigadier Gen. D.O Oneya Road and Johnson Barovbe Close.
