Bayelsa State Launches Desilting to Prevent Flooding

The Bayelsa State Government, under the leadership of Governor Douye Diri, has commenced a large-scale desilting exercise of water channels across Yenagoa and its surrounding communities. This initiative aims to mitigate the impact of flooding during the 2026 rainy season.

The first phase of the desilting exercise began on Wednesday, targeting the St. Peter's Obel Canal and the Osiri Road Canal near Tower Hotel in Yenagoa. The Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control disclosed that equipment has been deployed to identify waterways, including creeks and streams, throughout the state capital.

The director emphasized the importance of maintaining clear drainage channels to reduce flooding risks during peak rainfall. Residents have been warned against indiscriminately dumping refuse in drainage channels, as this obstructs water flow and increases flooding risks.

The director urged community leaders to discourage youth from disrupting the exercise and to support the contractors involved in the project.