Flood Prevention: DESOPADEC Takes De -Silting Of Canals, Drains To Umutu

The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, has intensified its ongoing de-silting of canals and flood drains across oil mandate areas, with Umutu community in Ukwuani Local Government Area being the latest beneficiary.

The exercise which took place today and which is designed to mitigate the perennial menace of flooding in oil-bearing communities, attracted residents, youth leaders and stakeholders who came out to witness the deployment of heavy equipment for the clearing of blocked water channels in Umutu main gate to the Ethiope River through Mission Road, a distance of about 5km.

Prominent among those on ground was the Member representing Ndokwa Nation on the DESOPADEC Board, Surveyor Azuka Enebeli who described the operation as part of the Commission’s deliberate efforts to safeguard lives, properties and livelihoods threatened by seasonal flooding.

“This intervention is timely and necessary. As the rains intensify, we must ensure that communities such as Umutu are protected from flooding which has over the years, disrupted farming activities and endangered lives. The de-silting is a direct response to the cries of our people and DESOPADEC is determined to deliver on its mandate,” Surv. Enebeli stated.

The Youth President of Umutu Community, Mr. Nweike Ocheli who joined Surv. Enebeli in supervising the work, expressed appreciation to DESOPADEC for prioritizing the needs of the community and noting that the desilting would bring immense relief to residents who in past years, suffered the devastating impact of waterlogging and flood disasters.

“We thank DESOPADEC for listening to us and acting promptly. The clearing of these drains will not only check flooding but also boost economic activities as our farmlands and roads will be more secure,” the Youth leader remarked.

Several community members who witnessed the exercise commended DESOPADEC’s management for what they termed a “people-oriented intervention,” stressing that the project would enhance environmental health and restore confidence in governance at the grassroots.

The Umutu operation forms part of the wider de-silting campaign being undertaken by DESOPADEC simultaneously across its mandate areas, covering the Itsekiri, Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko, Ndokwa and Ika ethnic nationalities.

Chatting with DESOPADEC NEWS also was Mr. Kingsley Iweka who as the SSA to the Governor on Peace Building & Conflict Resolution, is the Supervisor of the de-silting exercise in Umutu. He noted that the initiative further underscores the responsive and people-centered leadership of the DESOPADEC Chairman, Hon. John Nani and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Chief F. M. Ochonogor whose administration has prioritized practical projects with direct impact on the well-being of oil-producing communities. Their focus on infrastructure renewal, environmental safety and community engagement has continued to strengthen by the Commission’s image as a credible driver of development in the Niger Delta.

By Nzesi Boniface Ossai & Joyce Akpalikpo Adakwu 

×