The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has commenced a major desilting exercise in Sapele, Delta State, as part of efforts to tackle the perennial flooding that has continued to threaten lives and property in the town.
The exercise, which began on Monday, saw workers deployed to clear blocked drains and canals across flood-prone communities, while heavy-duty equipment was mobilised to restore free flow of water in critical drainage channels.
Speaking during an inspection of the ongoing project, the DESOPADEC Board Member representing Sapele, Ethiope West and Okpe, Chief Julius Egbedi, said the intervention had become necessary to prevent residents from being displaced whenever heavy rains occur.
According to him, the annual desilting exercise has become a regular response to the flooding challenge confronting the area.
“It has become a yearly ritual that we must clear drains, or else when the flood comes, people will run away from their houses. So this year again, we are on it, clearing the drains,” Egbedi said.
He disclosed that blocked drains and canals were being opened up across the town, assuring residents that all identified choke points would be cleared before the exercise ends.
The DESOPADEC chief noted that attention would also be given to New Road in Amukpe and other affected locations where drainage channels had been severely obstructed.
At Owumi Road, a swamp buggy was seen dredging a major canal, removing years of accumulated silt and refuse that had hindered water flow. The machine was working from the Omimiedi axis towards the opposite side of the canal in a bid to permanently ease flooding concerns in the area.
“Wherever we discover a blocked spot, we will also go there and open it before this exercise is over,” Egbedi assured.
He, however, blamed indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains and waterways for worsening the flooding situation, urging residents to embrace proper waste disposal practices.
“Money assigned for other development is used to clear drains year in and year out. I’m urging Sapele residents to register with private waste disposal agencies so we could have less problems clearing drains when the rains come,” he added.
The exercise commenced from Awolowo Junction on Okpe Road before moving to Akintola Road, where drainage channels on both sides of the road were cleared.
Residents who spoke during the exercise expressed relief, describing the intervention as long overdue.
The Supervisory Councillor for Environment in Sapele Local Government Area, Kingsley Sadjere, commended the collaboration between DESOPADEC, the Delta State Government and the council administration.
He disclosed that a pipe obstructing water flow along Akintola Road was removed during the operation, significantly improving drainage in the area.
Sadjere appealed for a similar intervention at Amukpe Road near the market, where another obstruction continues to impede water flow.
A trader on Akintola Road, Dr Esther Ogude, recounted how severe flooding around Omarin Primary School and the Anglican Church area often forced teachers to carry pupils through floodwaters.
“Flooding is a major challenge in this area. I’m grateful to Governor Oborevwori and DESOPADEC for the intervention,” she said.
Another resident, Miss Tejiri Japan, said heavily silted gutters had for years contributed to flooding in the neighbourhood, expressing optimism that the exercise would bring lasting relief.
The desilting operation has also been extended to Aka Avenue canal, where work continued on Tuesday to deepen and clear drainage channels.
Meanwhile, DESOPADEC has simultaneously commenced similar flood-control measures in Agbarha town, Ughelli North Local Government Area.
The Supervisory Councillor for Environment in the area, Lucky Oborayeruvwe, said Agbarha had battled devastating floods for over 20 years, particularly around the market and primary school axis.
He lauded the state government, DESOPADEC and community leaders for responding to the plight of residents, noting that the project would extend from the primary school area to the Omavowve discharge point.
Community stakeholders, including Hon. Peace Omoefe and Engr. Safety Arebor of Agbarha Arise, described the intervention as a long-awaited breakthrough.
“We are happy that this came to pass under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration. After the exercise, flooding will be a thing of the past in Agbarha Kingdom,” they said.
They also pledged to support efforts aimed at ending indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drains and waterways to ensure the sustainability of the project.
