Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has instructed that flood-prone areas in Yenagoa and Ekeremor Local Government Areas be identified and prepared for sand filling to facilitate the relocation of residents in case of severe flooding.
He also directed the flood control team to expand their efforts to include Biseni, Tombia, and Obirigbene communities in both LGAs, which are known to experience recurring floods.
The deputy governor appealed to residents to support government efforts aimed at reducing the adverse effects of flooding.
He spoke during a meeting with the Ministry of Environment, the State Flood Control Directorate, the Environmental Sanitation Authority, Chairmen of local government areas and rural development authorities in Yenagoa, the state capital.
In a statement by his aide, Mr Doubara Atasi, assured that flooding in the state would be less severe because of the government’s proactive measures to address the menace.
He, however, urged the ministries of environment and information, the Flood Control Directorate and other relevant agencies not to rest on their oars but rather intensify efforts including embarking on sensitisation campaigns on proper refuse disposal and clearing of blocked drainages.
He equally directed all relevant MDAs to work together to ensure that identified higher grounds in flood prone communities are sand-filled and made habitable in the event of any devastating flooding.
His words, “The Commissioner for Information, Strategy and Orientation, Environmental Sanitation Authority and Flood Control Directorate should carry out sensitisation programmes on the impending flood.
“They should also enlighten our people in rural areas using town criers because we really need to adequately inform our people on the need to stay safe. The Directorate should not pay attention to Yenagoa, the state capital alone.”
