BAYELSA GOVT BEGINS LARGE-SCALE DESILTING OF WATER CHANNELS TO CURB FLOODING
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Bayelsa State Government has commenced a large-scale desilting of canals and waterways across Yenagoa and surrounding communities as part of measures to reduce flooding during the 2026 rainy season.
The exercise is being coordinated through the State Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control and forms part of the administration of Governor Douye Diri to tackle recurring flood challenges in the state.
According to a statement issued by the Directorate, the first phase of the operation began on Wednesday with work starting at the St. Peter’s–Obele Canal and the Osiri Road canal near Tower Hotel in Yenagoa.
The agency said the intervention is designed to improve water movement through existing drainage infrastructure and reduce the risk of flooding as rainfall intensifies.
“The desilting exercise is aimed at improving the free flow of water through existing canals and drainage channels in order to reduce the risk of flooding during the peak of the rainy season,” the statement noted.
The Directorate disclosed that additional equipment has been mobilised to other identified waterways, including creeks, streams and canals across Yenagoa and neighbouring communities.
According to the agency, the expanded deployment is intended to accelerate flood prevention efforts before the height of the rainy season.
It commended the state government for sustaining annual flood-control interventions and described the regular clearing of waterways as evidence of proactive disaster management.
The Directorate also warned residents against indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage systems and identified St. Peter’s and Obele canals, Goodnews Canal in Azikoro Town and Akenpai Canal as areas of major concern.
“We strongly advise residents to desist from dumping waste into canals and waterways. Such actions obstruct the free flow of water and contribute significantly to flooding. Offenders will be sanctioned in accordance with existing environmental laws,” the statement added.
Residents were further cautioned against erecting structures along canal setbacks and right-of-way corridors, with the agency warning that such developments obstruct water flow and increase flood risks.
For safety reasons, the Directorate urged residents, especially children, to avoid operational zones where heavy desilting equipment is being used.
It also appealed to community leaders to discourage disruptions and unnecessary financial demands on contractors handling the project.
The agency advised members of the public with concerns or inquiries regarding the exercise to contact the Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control Secretariat located beside Government House in Yenagoa.
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