Battle Against Flood:  DESOPADEC  Opens  New  Canals In Agbarha  -Otor

In a bid to stem the rising flood threats across the State, the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, has  opened new drainage canals in Agbarha - Otor, Ughelli North Local Government Area. 

The intervention which commenced  Monday June 22  continued Thursday 25th June  in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, just as residents braced up for the peak of the rainy season, a period that has often left several communities battling flooded streets, damaged property and disrupted economic activities.

Representative of the Commission in charge of the ongoing work, Mr. Augustine Onokwhoremu said the project was aimed at creating new channels for trapped floodwaters and improving water flow in areas that have suffered years of waterlogging.

He said the de-silting traversed from Agbarha Primary School to the street opposite the king's palace, down to market road in Onah community in Agbarha Otor. 

Disclosing that the canals were being opened for the first time, with thick vegetation and other obstructions removed to allow free passage of water, Mr. Onokwhoremu added that years of overgrowth had blocked the natural waterways, contributing to flooding in several parts of the town whenever heavy rains occurred.

"These canals are being opened for the first time. We have removed the vegetation and other blockages that prevented water from flowing freely," he said. 

Urging residents to desist from dumping waste into drainage channels and canals, he warned that most of the materials discarded into waterways were non-biodegradable and often caused blockages that worsened flooding.

Residents expressed relief at the development, describing it as a long-awaited response to a problem that has worsened over the years.

A resident of one of the affected communities, Engr. Safety Aregbor expressed delight at the exercise.

"This is what we have been asking for. Whenever it rains, many roads become impassable and water finds its way into homes. We are happy something is finally being done," he said.

Community leaders also commended the initiative, noting that unchecked flooding has repeatedly threatened livelihoods and damaged infrastructure across parts of the town.

The supervisory Councilor on Environment, Hon. Lucky Amejuma Oborayiruvbe speaking on behalf of the community, commended the Governor and DESOPADEC Board for the intervention. 

"The machine has been on site since Monday, working to clear the canal that had remained blocked for decades. We are appealing to the government to extend the four-day deadline allotted to our community so more locations can be covered to provide a lasting relief and prevent a repeat of the flooding that has become a recurring challenge in Agbarha during the rainy season," he said.

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