OSOPADEC clears water hyacinth to reopen Ondo waterways
By Boye Oyeyemi
The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission has launched an extensive clearance operation to remove water hyacinth obstructing key riverine routes across Ilaje and Ese-Odo local government areas.
Commencing on Monday, November 2, 2026, the joint initiative with the Ondo State Government aims to reopen blocked water channels and restore vital transport links for local populations.
Speaking during a monitoring exercise on behalf of OSOPADEC Chairman Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, Executive Director of Projects Mallam Mallon Ogbaro confirmed that the action follows persistent calls for relief from affected coastal communities.
Ogbaro reaffirmed that the commission, in alignment with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration, remains steadfast in resolving environmental barriers that undermine the livelihoods of riverine households.
To ensure long-term accessibility, the executive director noted that OSOPADEC will sustain the clearance project within its budgetary allocations while soliciting additional state support for outlying areas.
Providing technical details, the Director of Water, Waterways and Environmental Control, Engr. Goke Aworetan, listed Imoluwa, Igbo-Egunren, Mahintedo, Alape, Ibila, Oropo, Sabomi, Ipoke, Biagbini, Oboro, Inikorogha, Fiyebrasintei, Ukparama and Arogbo among the targeted settlements.
Aworetan observed that dense weed encrustation had previously halted boat transit, crippled local fisheries, and severely hampered trade movements between major commercial hubs such as Atijere and Igbokoda.
Consequently, the physical removal of the aquatic flora will facilitate the transport of timber and agricultural products to central markets, delivering immediate economic relief to dependent riverine trade networks.
