Bayelsa State Government Seeks Help from FG, NDDC to Address Flooding and Coastal Erosion

Strategic Insights -

The Bayelsa State Government has appealed to the Federal Government and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for assistance in addressing the twin problems of flooding and coastal erosion in the state. Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, made the appeal at a stakeholders meeting, highlighting the devastation caused by flooding and coastal erosion in several coastal communities. Bayelsa is described as a state with the longest coastline and the headquarters of flooding in the country, with communities being washed away by coastal erosion every year.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bayelsa State Government has appealed to the Federal Government and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for assistance in addressing the twin problems of flooding and coastal erosion in the state.
  • Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, described Bayelsa as a state with the longest coastline and the headquarters of flooding in the country.
  • Communities along the Atlantic Ocean are being washed away by coastal erosion every year.
  • The NDDC has been commended for its projects in the state and the Niger Delta region, but Ewhrudjakpo stressed the need for collaboration with the state government for more impactful projects.
  • The Bayelsa State Government has directed its Directorate on Flood and Erosion Control to expedite action on opening up more major drainage canals and dredging of sands at specified locations for temporary camps.
  • The directorate has been tasked with making assessment visits to communities designated as 'flood flashpoints', including Akenfa-Epie, Tombia, and others.
  • The Deputy Governor has directed the flood directorate and the commissioner for works and infrastructure to visit the Igbogene axis of the state capital and report back to government for necessary remediation action.

Statistics:

  • Bayelsa is described as a state with the longest coastline.
  • Flooding is said to affect communities every year.
  • The NDDC has implemented projects in the state and the Niger Delta region.

Sources:

  • Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
  • Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor, Mr Doubara Atasi.
  • Bayelsa State Government.