Preventing Floods: Bayelsa Kicks Off Waterway Clearing Initiative

The Bayelsa State Government has initiated a comprehensive program to desilt water channels across Yenagoa and its surrounding areas. This extensive effort is designed to mitigate the severe impact of flooding anticipated during the 2026 rainy season.

The State Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control, responsible for executing this project, stated that the initiative aligns with Governor Douye Diri’s administration’s unwavering commitment to addressing the persistent flood challenges faced by the state. According to a statement released to journalists, the initial phase of the operation began on Wednesday, with work commencing at the St. Peter’s–Obele Canal and the Osiri Road canal, located near Tower Hotel in Yenagoa.

“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 Directorate explained. Further indicating the scale of the operation, the agency revealed that additional equipment has been deployed to various other identified waterways, including creeks, streams, and canals throughout the state capital and its environs. “Additional machines are being mobilised to various locations to accelerate the flood mitigation exercise and ensure that critical water channels are cleared before the rains intensify,” the statement added.

The Directorate commended the state government for its consistent annual flood-control measures, emphasizing that the regular clearing of waterways demonstrates a strong dedication to protecting residents’ lives and properties. “The Bayelsa State Government has continued to show strong dedication to the safety and well-being of residents through proactive disaster prevention measures, including the routine desilting of canals and waterways,” the statement affirmed.

In a stern warning, the agency cautioned residents against the indiscriminate disposal of refuse into drainage channels and waterways, highlighting St. Peter’s and Obele canals, Goodnews Canal in Azikoro Town, and Akenpai Canal as areas of particular 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 Directorate warned. It also advised against constructing buildings on canal setbacks and right-of-way corridors, stating, “Structures erected on canal right-of-ways obstruct water movement and increase the likelihood of flash flooding in surrounding neighbourhoods.”

For safety reasons, the Directorate urged residents, especially children, to maintain a safe distance from areas where desilting machines are in operation. “Clustering around heavy equipment is dangerous and can lead to serious injuries or loss of life. Residents should keep a safe distance from all work sites,” the statement stressed. Furthermore, the Directorate appealed to community leaders to discourage youths from disrupting the exercise or making unauthorized financial demands from contractors handling the project. “This exercise is for the benefit of all residents, and we urge communities to cooperate fully by supporting the contractors and ensuring that the work progresses without hindrance,” it stated. Members of the public with complaints or inquiries regarding the project are advised to visit the Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control Secretariat, situated beside Government House, Yenagoa.