Bayelsa begins desilting of water channels to prevent flooding

The Bayelsa State Government has commenced a large-scale desilting of water channels across Yenagoa and surrounding communities as part of efforts to mitigate the impact of flooding during the 2026 rainy season.

The exercise, being carried out through the State Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control, is said to be in line with Governor Douye Diri’s administration’s commitment to reducing the perennial flood challenges experienced in the state.

In a statement made available to journalists, the Directorate disclosed that the first phase of the exercise commenced on Wednesday, with work beginning at the St. Peter’s–Obele Canal and the Osiri Road canal near Tower Hotel in Yenagoa.

The statement reads, “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 further revealed that more equipment had been deployed to other identified waterways, including creeks, streams and canals across 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,” it stated.

The Directorate commended the state government for sustaining annual flood-control measures, noting that the regular desilting of waterways demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

“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 added.

The agency also warned residents against indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels and waterways, identifying St. Peter’s and Obele canals, Goodnews Canal in Azikoro Town and Akenpai Canal as major areas of 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 cautioned against the construction of buildings on canal setbacks and right-of-way corridors.

“Structures erected on canal right-of-ways obstruct water movement and increase the likelihood of flash flooding in surrounding neighbourhoods,” it said.

For safety reasons, the Directorate urged residents, particularly children, to stay away from areas where desilting machines are operating.

“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.

The Directorate further appealed to community leaders to discourage youths from disrupting the exercise or making unnecessary 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 said.

The agency advised members of the public with complaints or inquiries regarding the exercise to visit the Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control Secretariat located beside Government House, Yenagoa.