Olisa, DESOPADEC Commissioner, Leads Drainage Desilting, Sanitation Exercise in Ashaka ~ Truth Reporters

 

By Andy Emephia

The Member representing the Ndokwa ethnic nationality on the Governing Board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Dr. Charles Olisa, KSM, JP, on Friday, June 27, 2026, actively supervised and monitored the monthly environmental sanitation and drainage desilting exercise in Ashaka, Ndokwa East Local Government Area.

Dr. Olisa led the operation, which focused on clearing, desilting and evacuating silt, refuse and other debris from drainage channels and gutters across major parts of the community.

The intervention is aimed at reducing flood risks during the rainy season, improving stormwater flow and curbing the spread of water-borne diseases.

He was accompanied by the Vice Chairman of Ndokwa East Local Government Council, Hon. Cecilia Ekpo; the Councillor representing Ashaka, DSIEC Ward 19, Hon. Okwuchukwu Baro; environmental and health officials of the council led by the Deputy Head of the Environment Department, Mr. Joseph Okorugbo; the Ashaka Community Secretary and Acting Youth President, Mr. Ferdinand Obiajulu Enuboda, as well as other community stakeholders and residents.

The exercise underscores the commitment of the DESOPADEC Governing Board, chaired by Olorogun Barr. John Nani, and the management team led by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Chief Surveyor Festus Ochonogor, to implementing impactful environmental and infrastructure initiatives that improve the quality of life across the Commission's mandate areas.

It also aligns with the Delta State Government's MORE Agenda under the leadership of Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, particularly its focus on meaningful development, environmental sustainability, flood control, public health and community wellbeing.

In recent days, DESOPADEC has intensified similar interventions across Ndokwa communities, including Kwale and Ashaka. The exercises involve the mechanical and manual removal of silt, refuse and debris blocking drainage channels, community sensitisation on proper waste disposal to prevent future blockages, and joint monitoring with local government environmental and health departments to ensure technical standards and sustainability.

Speaking on behalf of the Ashaka community, the Community Secretary and Acting Youth President, Mr. Ferdinand Obiajulu Enuboda, expressed appreciation to the Commission for the intervention, saying it would help protect lives and property while demonstrating DESOPADEC's responsiveness to the needs of the people.

Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of Ndokwa East Local Government Council, Hon. Cecilia Ekpo, commended the initiative, describing it as a productive collaboration that is already yielding visible improvements in environmental sanitation and flood mitigation.

Reaffirming the Commission's commitment to environmental protection, Dr. Olisa said flood reduction remains one of DESOPADEC's top priorities.

"Our priority at DESOPADEC is to reduce the risk of flooding across our mandate areas to the barest minimum. This desilting and sanitation exercise is part of a sustained strategy to open waterways, protect lives and property, and promote public health," he said.

He added that under the leadership of the Board Chairman, Olorogun Barr. John Nani, and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Chief Surveyor Festus Ochonogor, the Commission would continue to scale up similar interventions across Ndokwa communities in support of the Delta State Government's MORE Agenda.