Environmental Disaster Looming in Delta, Mulade Warns Oborevwori, Urges Immediate Action on Dredging Activities

By Chukwunonso Eric, Warri.

Renowned environmental and peace advocate, Chief (Comrade) Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has sounded the alarm over what he described as an impending environmental disaster in Delta State, calling on Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to urgently implement proactive measures to protect communities, roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure from the growing threats posed by environmental degradation.

Mulade expressed concern over the increasing rate of dredging activities across various parts of the state, alleging that many operators are carrying out excavation works without adequate regard for environmental safety standards and the long-term consequences of their operations.

According to him, several dredging sites are located dangerously close to major highways, roads and bridges, raising fears that continued excavation could weaken the soil supporting these structures and expose surrounding communities to avoidable disasters.

While acknowledging that dredging remains an important economic activity capable of contributing to the state’s development, the environmental advocate stressed that operators must strictly adhere to environmental regulations and internationally accepted best practices to prevent development from undermining public safety.

“The state government cannot continue to overlook the environmental implications of indiscriminate dredging. Excavation alongside major infrastructure is a serious threat. Roads and bridges are strategic assets that serve millions of people daily. If the integrity of these structures is compromised, the consequences could be catastrophic,” Mulade stated.

He urged the Delta State Government, particularly the Ministry of Environment and other relevant regulatory agencies, to intensify monitoring and enforcement across all dredging locations to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

Mulade further emphasised the need for the government to move beyond policy discussions by implementing practical climate resilience measures capable of protecting vulnerable communities from flooding, erosion, land degradation and infrastructure collapse.

He noted that climate change has continued to increase the frequency and severity of flooding across Delta State, making it imperative for authorities to adopt a comprehensive climate resilience strategy that prioritises prevention rather than emergency response.

The environmental advocate also called for comprehensive environmental and engineering risk assessment studies around existing and proposed dredging sites to determine their potential impact on roads, bridges, waterways and neighbouring communities.

According to him, periodic geotechnical investigations and environmental impact assessments would enable government to identify vulnerable areas early and prevent disasters before they occur.

“The cost of prevention is always far lower than the cost of reconstruction if infrastructure collapses. Government must act before lives and properties are endangered,” he warned.

Mulade also recommended the establishment of community-based flood volunteer networks across Delta State, noting that local residents are often the first to detect changes in water levels, erosion patterns and blocked drainage channels.

He explained that empowering trained community volunteers would strengthen early warning systems, improve emergency response mechanisms and foster closer collaboration between government agencies and local communities during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding.

In addition, he challenged the state government to prioritise the construction and maintenance of efficient drainage systems capable of effectively managing stormwater in both urban and rural communities.

According to him, sustainable flood management should focus on scientific environmental planning and the provision of critical infrastructure rather than what he described as politically motivated patronage disguised as climate-related interventions.

“Government should invest more in functional drainage networks, proper water channels and sustainable flood control infrastructure instead of politically patronising climate flood negotiators whose activities do little to address the root causes of environmental challenges,” he added.

Mulade further appealed to relevant ministries, environmental agencies, local government councils and traditional institutions to collaborate in promoting environmental sustainability through stricter regulation of dredging activities, sustained public awareness campaigns and continuous monitoring of environmentally sensitive areas.

He cautioned that failure to act promptly could expose many communities across Delta State to severe flooding, accelerated erosion, infrastructure failures and significant economic losses.

The environmental advocate maintained that Delta State possesses enormous natural resources that can be responsibly harnessed without compromising environmental sustainability, urging the government to embrace preventive environmental governance.

He expressed optimism that with decisive leadership, effective regulation and active community participation, Delta State could successfully mitigate emerging environmental threats while promoting sustainable development for both present and future generations.