A Delta State-born environmental and peace advocate, Chief (Comrade) Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has sounded a strong warning over what he described as an imminent environmental crisis in Delta State, calling on Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori urgently intervene before unchecked dredging activities trigger widespread infrastructure failures and ecological disasters.
Mulade expressed concern over the growing number of dredging operations across the state, alleging that many are being carried out without adequate environmental safeguards or proper adherence to regulatory standards.
He warned that several dredging sites are situated dangerously close to major roads, highways and bridges, raising fears that continued excavation could undermine the stability of the soil supporting critical infrastructure and expose residents to significant risks.
While acknowledging dredging as an important economic activity, the environmental advocate stressed that operators must comply with environmental laws and internationally accepted standards to prevent irreversible damage to lives, property and public assets.
He said the state government could no longer afford to ignore the environmental implications of indiscriminate dredging, noting that roads and bridges are strategic infrastructure whose failure could have devastating social and economic consequences.
Mulade called on the Delta State Ministry of Environment and other relevant regulatory agencies to strengthen monitoring, enforcement and compliance across all dredging sites in the state.
He also urged the government to move beyond policy discussions by implementing practical climate resilience measures capable of protecting communities from flooding, erosion, land degradation and infrastructure collapse.
According to him, the increasing impact of climate change has heightened flood risks across Delta State, making it imperative for authorities to adopt a proactive strategy focused on prevention rather than emergency response.
The activist further advocated comprehensive environmental and engineering risk assessments for all existing and proposed dredging locations to determine their potential impact on roads, bridges, waterways and nearby communities.
He explained that regular geotechnical studies and environmental impact assessments would help identify vulnerable areas before they develop into major disasters.
Mulade maintained that investing in preventive measures would ultimately save government from the enormous financial burden of rebuilding damaged infrastructure after disasters occur.
He also proposed the establishment of community-based flood volunteer networks, arguing that residents are often the first to notice changes in water levels, erosion patterns and blocked drainage systems.
According to him, properly trained community volunteers would strengthen early warning mechanisms, improve emergency response and enhance collaboration between government agencies and local communities during flooding emergencies.
The environmental advocate equally urged the state government to prioritise the construction and maintenance of efficient drainage systems across both urban and rural areas, insisting that sustainable flood management requires sound engineering solutions and scientific environmental planning.
He criticised what he described as politically driven climate intervention programmes, arguing that greater investment should instead be directed toward functional drainage infrastructure, effective water channels and long-term flood control projects.
Mulade further appealed to relevant ministries, environmental agencies, local government councils and traditional institutions to work together in enforcing environmental regulations, promoting public awareness and ensuring continuous monitoring of environmentally sensitive areas.
He warned that failure to act swiftly could expose many communities to severe flooding, erosion, infrastructure failures and avoidable economic losses.
Despite the challenges, Mulade expressed confidence that with decisive leadership, effective environmental regulation and active community participation, Delta State could avert looming ecological threats while achieving sustainable development for future generations.
