Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has called on the Federal Government to take the necessary steps in tackling the menace of flooding instead of just issuing alerts.
Speaking in Government House, Yenagoa, on Monday, during a courtesy visit with the leadership of Obogoro community, Governor Diri noted that tackling flood, erosion and other environmental challenges was costly and cannot be single-handedly handled by states alone.
He said “We need the Federal Government to play key roles. Federal Government issuing warnings or alerts to states is not enough. You know we do not have the resources to tackle this issue. We need the federal and international agencies to support us”
The Governor said almost all communities in the state were affected by constant flooding and erosion, stressing that the government was doing everything within available resources to address the issues.
Diri said as part of efforts to tackle flooding and erosion, his administration has set up a flood and erosion control agency to proffer holistic solutions to the environmental issues.
He said the government was already addressing the coastal erosion in Obogoro community in Yenagoa local government area, assuring the people that a lasting solution would be found to the menace.
The state’s helmsman thanked the leadership of Obogoro for toeing the path of dialogue instead of a protest planned by some persons in the community.
His words: “On the issue of erosion, you all know that most communities in the state are threatened, including my own community. For now, Obogoro is receiving attention from the government.
“When the action was too slow, I had to drag in the Deputy Governor and most of the issues are being resolved. There is no reason for anybody to resort to protest.
“Erosion affects almost all communities in Bayelsa. That is why we believe this is not a state government problem alone.
Speaking on behalf of Chief Monday Igodo, the community’s paramount ruler, Francis Igodo expressed appreciation to the state government for projects sited in Obogoro, which include establishing a new secondary school, internal road, ongoing construction of a cottage hospital as well as appointment of sons and daughters of the community into positions of authority.
