Asaba, Delta State – From January to June 2025, Delta State has spent over ₦17 billion on important ecological and flood control projects — all without any support from the Federal Government’s ecological fund.
This was made public by the Delta State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Hon. Sonny Ekedayen, through an official document obtained by Golden Nation Multimedia.
The massive investment covers projects in different parts of the state, including Okpanam, Ibusa, Osubi, Sapele, Effurun, Abraka, Asaba, and across rural and riverine communities in all three senatorial districts — Delta North, Delta Central, and Delta South.
Projects Led by the Ministry of Works
Although several Ministries were involved, the Ministry of Works got the largest share of the funds — spending over ₦14 billion on various erosion and flood control works.
Some major projects include:
- Reclamation and erosion control at Okpanam-Ibusa Road in Oshimili South LGA – ₦975.5 million allocated from a provision of ₦10 billion.
- Flood control at Sakpoba/Water Board/Oghara-Ajagbodudu/Market Road, Ethiope West – ₦34.4 million from a provision of ₦2.1 billion.
- Stormwater control in Osubi, Okpe LGA (Delta Central) – Several projects, each with ₦6 billion budgeted for stormwater channels (sewers and open drains). For example:
- ₦123.9 million,
- ₦159.9 million,
- ₦6.2 billion, and
- ₦6.85 billion were requested for different phases of stormwater management projects.
These Osubi projects are focused on building large drainage systems to stop flooding during heavy rains.
Ministry of Environment Steps In
The Ministry of Environment also worked on culverts and drainage projects to control water flow and prevent erosion.
Key projects include:
- Two box culverts at Jess Motel Road and Okuovwori-Amukpe, Sapele – ₦117.6 million allocated from a ₦185 million budget.
- Concrete culverts at Beachland Road, Ekrejeta, Abraka – ₦64.4 million.
- Flood control palliative works in Infant Jesus Phase II, Asaba – ₦4.9 million for both Obiora Nwosisi Street and New Life Pharmacy Street.
- Desilting and channeling of 20km canal in Akapo Phase 1 and Camp 74, Asaba – ₦194.1 million.
Warri/Uvwie & Environs Development Agency
In Warri and Effurun, the Warri/Uvwie and Environs Development Agency handled several flood control phases:
- Phase III flood control in Effurun/Warri – ₦2.43 billion out of a ₦3 billion provision.
- Additional work in Warri Town Stadium and surrounding areas – ₦210.5 million and ₦145 million respectively.
These projects aim to drain stagnant floodwaters that often trouble residents during the rainy season.
Waterway Safety by Directorate of Transport
Flooding doesn’t just happen on land — it affects rivers and creeks too.
To make waterways safer, the Directorate of Transport carried out clearing and safety measures in Warri and Burutu areas:
- Clean-up along the Warri River/jetty front, covering Big-Warri, Orugbo, Ugbuwangwe, NPA, and other markets – ₦54.7 million allocated.
- Removal of water hyacinth and debris from Obulu Creek and nearby communities like Amassoma, Ayakoromo, and Ezebri in Burutu LGA – ₦45.2 million spent.
Commissioner’s Statement
Hon. Ekedayen stressed that all the projects were fully funded by Delta State, without any money from the Federal Government’s ecological fund — which is usually meant to support states in handling flood and erosion problems.
He said the state government acted fast to protect lives, roads, markets, and farmlands from being destroyed by floods.
Why It Matters
In places like Okpanam, Osubi, Sapele, and Warri, heavy rainfall usually brings fear of flooding, damaged roads, and closed schools. But with these major projects, the state hopes to stop that and make the environment safer.
The projects also show how a state government can take action even without waiting for federal help.
