Rita Enemuru, Reporting
DELTA State-born environmental and peace advocate, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has warned of an impending environmental disaster in Delta State, calling on Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to take urgent action to protect communities and critical infrastructure from the growing effects of environmental degradation.
Mulade expressed concern over what he described as the increasing rate of dredging activities across the state, alleging that many operators were carrying out their activities without adequate regard for the long-term environmental consequences.
According to him, several dredging sites are situated dangerously close to major roads, highways and bridges, raising fears that continuous excavation could weaken the soil supporting vital infrastructure and expose communities to avoidable disasters.
While acknowledging that dredging remains an important economic activity, Mulade stressed that operators must comply strictly with environmental regulations and internationally recognised best practices to ensure development does not compromise public safety.
“The state government cannot continue to overlook the environmental implications of indiscriminate dredging alongside major infrastructure.
It 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,” he said.
The environmental advocate urged the Delta State Government, particularly the Ministry of Environment and other relevant regulatory agencies, to strengthen environmental monitoring and enforcement across all dredging locations in the state.
He also called for the practical implementation of climate resilience policies, arguing that they should move beyond policy discussions to concrete actions capable of protecting vulnerable communities from flooding, erosion, land degradation and infrastructure failure.
Mulade noted that climate change had continued to increase the frequency and severity of flooding in many parts of Delta State, making it necessary for the government to adopt a comprehensive climate resilience strategy focused on prevention rather than emergency response.
He further recommended that the government conduct comprehensive environmental and engineering risk assessments at existing and proposed dredging sites to evaluate their impact on roads, bridges, waterways and surrounding communities.
According to him, regular geotechnical investigations and environmental impact assessments would enable authorities to identify vulnerable areas before they develop into major disasters.
“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,” Mulade said.
He also advocated the establishment of community-based flood volunteer networks across the state, noting that local residents are often the first to observe rising water levels, erosion and blocked drainage systems.
Mulade said empowering trained community volunteers would improve early warning systems, strengthen emergency response and foster greater collaboration between government agencies and local communities during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding.
The environmental campaigner also urged the state government to prioritise the construction and maintenance of efficient drainage systems in both urban and rural areas to improve stormwater management.
He argued that sustainable flood management should be driven by sound environmental planning and infrastructure development rather than what he described as politically motivated 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 stated.
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, public awareness campaigns and continuous monitoring of environmentally sensitive areas.
He warned that failure to act swiftly could expose many communities to severe flooding, erosion, infrastructure failures and significant economic losses.
Despite the concerns, Mulade expressed optimism that with decisive leadership, effective regulation and active community participation, Delta State could successfully mitigate emerging environmental threats while achieving sustainable development for present and future generations.
