Flooding: Bayelsa distils canals, blocked drainages

As part of the efforts to mitigate the effect of flooding in the Yenagoa metropolis and other parts of the state,  the Bayelsa  State government has commenced distilling and clearing canals and creeks. Bayelsa State is among states that are always affected by ravaging flood between October and November every year. Thousands of people are […]

As part of the efforts to mitigate the effect of flooding in the Yenagoa metropolis and other parts of the state,  the Bayelsa  State government has commenced distilling and clearing canals and creeks.

Bayelsa State is among states that are always affected by ravaging flood between October and November every year.

Thousands of people are always displaced by the flood, with some losing their lives.

Niger Delta Trust reports that the distilling of canals and drainage kick-started at Osiri Road, before moving to  Okarki area where the drain flows through Akenfa 3-1 as well as Custom Road in Biogbolo in Yenagoa, the state capital.

Speaking during the exercise, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. lselema Gbaranbiri,  assured residents that the government was committed to ensuring a flood-free state capital.  He added that the exercise would be extended to all flood-prone areas.

Mr. Gbaranbiri, who in January this year inaugurated a committee to identify blocked canals and drainages, disclosed that the committee had taken stock of affected areas, hence the commencement of clearing in line with the available data.

The commissioner, who was represented by the Head of Flood and Erosion Control Department and Assistant Director in the State Ministry of Environment, Mr.Daniel Tenemeni, advised residents to cooperate with the government to ensure a safe, secure and conducive environment for all.

Mr.Joel Okoyen, a resident in the Biogbolo community commended the government for the efforts, saying it would save them the stress of packing out of their houses and subsequent loss of properties to flood as the recent rainfalls had already affected them seriously.

He expressed optimism that with the ongoing work, water would flow easily and pleaded with the State Sanitation Authority to enforce cleaning of the environment and prosecution of offenders with a view to ensuring a clean environment.