ENVIRONMENT DISASTER: MULADE RAISES ALARM OVER ENVIRONMENTAL THREATS, URGES DELTA GOVERNMENT TO REGULATE DREDGING ACTIVITIES

Environmental and peace advocate, Chief (Comrade) Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has called on the Delta State Government to urgently strengthen environmental protection measures, warning that unchecked dredging activities across the state could trigger serious environmental disasters and threaten critical infrastructure.

Chief Mulade, who made the call in a statement, expressed concern that several dredging operations are being carried out close to major roads, highways and bridges without adequate regard for their long-term environmental impact.

He warned that continuous excavation around such areas could weaken the soil supporting key infrastructure, exposing communities to flooding, erosion and possible structural failures.

While acknowledging the economic importance of dredging, the environmental advocate stressed that operators must strictly comply with environmental regulations and globally accepted best practices to ensure public safety and sustainable development.

Chief Mulade urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to direct the Ministry of Environment and other relevant regulatory agencies to intensify monitoring and enforcement at dredging sites across the state.

He also called for comprehensive environmental and engineering risk assessments around existing and proposed dredging locations, noting that regular geotechnical investigations and environmental impact evaluations would help identify vulnerable areas before they become disaster zones.

According to him, the increasing effects of climate change demand practical climate resilience measures, including improved flood prevention strategies, sustainable drainage systems and stronger environmental planning.

The environmental advocate further recommended the establishment of community-based flood volunteer networks to strengthen early warning systems and improve collaboration between government agencies and local communities during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding.

Chief Mulade also appealed to government to prioritise the construction and maintenance of efficient drainage infrastructure while promoting stricter regulation of dredging activities through collaboration with environmental agencies, local government councils and traditional institutions.

He warned that failure to take proactive measures could expose many communities to severe flooding, erosion, infrastructure damage and avoidable economic losses, expressing confidence that decisive leadership and effective environmental governance would ensure sustainable development across Delta State.