Flood Prevention: DESOPADEC takes operation clearing of drains, canals to Sapele, Jesse

The ongoing intervention on de-silting of canals and blocked drainages aimed at proffering solutions to the perennial flooding in the Commissions mandate areas by the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, in conjunction with the Ministry of Environment, Delta State continued Friday August 1 in Sapele and Jesse, Ethiope West and Sapele Local Government Areas.

In Jesse Town, massive de-silting of blocked drainages and evacuation of sand and debris by pay loaders and tipper trucks took place at Ireke and Eruotor streets.

The exercise which commenced in Jesse earlier this week was going on steadily at the time of this report with many residents commending the Governor, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and the Board of DESOPADEC for the timely intervention aimed at mitigating the effects of the impending flood as envisaged by NIMET.

Similarly, in Sapele Metropolis, a swamp buggy was seen in action, clearing the canal from new road by Awolowo to Akintola Junction, linking Ojolu canal.

The canal which was blocked by massive wastes is being de-silted to pave way for free flow of water through the channel.

Some residents in the area who commended the tenacity of DESOPADEC, pleaded that measures should be put in place to discourage people from dumping refuse in the canal.

One of the residents, Mr. Ovie Ajuya said, "We are very grateful to the Government and the Board of DESOPADEC for this laudable work they are doing and we are equally calling on the Local Government Council to put machinery in place to discourage people from dumping refuse in the canal because the blockage is as a result of human activities as you can see a lot of waste and debris in the water channel." 

Intervention work by the Commission is expected to commence in other communities in the mandate areas in the days ahead.

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