Egbedi: Yearly Desilting Remains Sapele’s Best Defence Against Flooding

By Evelyn Obibi-Assay

The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has commenced its annual desilting exercise in Sapele as part of efforts to tackle recurring flooding and improve the free flow of water through drains and canals across the town.

Speaking during an inspection of the ongoing exercise on Monday, June 22, 2026, the Member representing Sapele, Ethiope West and Okpe on the DESOPADEC Board, Chief Julius Egbedi, described the yearly desilting programme as a critical intervention that has become indispensable in protecting residents and their property during the rainy season.

“It has become a yearly ritual that we must clear drains, or else when the flood comes, people will be forced to leave their homes. So this year again, we are on it, clearing the drains,” Egbedi said.

He explained that the exercise is targeting blocked drains and canals in flood-prone areas, assuring residents that every identified obstruction would be cleared before the operation ends, including a planned return to New Road by Amukpe.

At Owumi Road, a swamp buggy was seen removing accumulated silt, debris and waste from the canal, working from Omimiedi towards the opposite side to restore the free flow of water.

“Wherever we discover a blocked spot, we will also go there and open it before this exercise is over,” he added.

Egbedi also appealed to residents to stop indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains and waterways, noting that such practices contribute significantly to flooding and divert funds meant for other developmental projects.

“Money assigned for other development is used to clear drains year after year. I urge Sapele residents to register with private waste disposal agencies so we can reduce the challenge of clearing drains during the rainy season,” he said.

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The exercise commenced at Awolowo Junction on Okpe Road before moving to Akintola Road, where both sides of the drainage channels were cleared.

Residents who spoke with DESOPADEC Media welcomed the intervention, recalling that previous desilting efforts had provided much-needed relief from flooding.

The Supervisory Councillor on Environment, Sapele Local Government Area, Hon. Kingsley Sadjere, who monitored the exercise, commended the collaboration between DESOPADEC, the Delta State Government and the Sapele Local Government Council under Hon. Bright Abeke.

According to him, the removal of a pipe obstructing water flow at Akintola Road has already improved drainage in the area. He appealed for a similar intervention at Amukpe Road by the market, where another pipe is restricting water flow.

A shop owner on Akintola Road, Dr. Mrs. Esther Ogude, recalled how severe flooding around Omarin Primary School and the Anglican Church once forced teachers to carry pupils across flooded paths.

“Flooding is a major challenge in this area. I’m grateful to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and DESOPADEC for this intervention,” she said.

Another resident, Miss Tejiri Japan, a tailor, expressed optimism that the cleared drains would significantly reduce flooding, noting that heavily silted gutters had long hindered the smooth flow of water.

The desilting exercise also continued at Aka Avenue canal, where the swamp buggy was seen extending the clearing operation to ensure a more lasting solution.

Meanwhile, similar flood mitigation efforts are ongoing in Agbarha, Ughelli North Local Government Area. The Supervisory Councillor on Environment, Hon. Lucky Oborayeruvwe, said the community had endured flooding for over two decades, particularly around Agbarha Market and the Primary School.

He thanked the Delta State Government, DESOPADEC and Hon. Jaro Egbo for the intervention, explaining that the exercise started from the Primary School axis and would extend to the Omavowve discharge point.

Also speaking, Hon. Peace Omoefe and Engr. Safety Arebor of Agbarha Arise described the project as a long-awaited intervention.

“We are happy that this has come to pass under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration. After the exercise, flooding will be a thing of the past in Agbarha Kingdom,” they said, while pledging to discourage indiscriminate refuse dumping and support efforts to keep the drainage channels free of waste.