There is growing anxiety in some communities in Yenagoa and Kolokuma/Opokuma local government areas of Bayelsa State following the submerging of police divisions, buildings and farmlands by rampaging flood causing displacement and mass relocation of victims.
Among the communities affected include Tombia-Ekpetiama, Odi, Sampou, Kaiama, Gbaranma Sabagreia, Okoloba, Biseni and neighbouring communities as well as some areas within the Yenagoa metropolis.
LEADERSHIP gathered yesterday that some communities have been saved due to the effectiveness of flood mitigation/barrier projects carried out by the state government. The concrete retaining walls both at Sampou and Odi were very helpful in protecting the communities from the impact of the flooding.
It was also gathered that the water level in some communities is already above the ground level yet the communities were not adversely affected as the retaining walls functioned as dikes barring the overflowing water from the River Nun.
LEADERSHIP also observed that the non-return valves installed at Okutukutu had prevented the perennial flooding of the Udeme Hotels axis as well as the Commissioners’ Quarters.
The Bayelsa State Task Force on Flood Mitigation and Management led by the commissioner for environment, Hon Iselema Gbaranbiri, lamented the impact of flooding in Biseni community, which he said was almost totally submerged.
Gbaranbiri, who sympathized with people of the area on behalf of the governor, said parts of Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA such as Odi and Sampou, were relatively safe at the moment due to the water barrier built by the government while areas like Gbarama, Sabagreia, Okoloba and Kaiama were heavily impacted with institutions such as the Ijaw National Academy, the Girls Secondary School in Kaiama and the Bayelsa State Sports Institute at Asoama flooded.
He explained that the essence of the on-the-spot assessment was to get first-hand information about the situation and identify areas of need for government to provide succour to the people. He called on the federal government to assist the state government in alleviating the sufferings of victims.
He also confirmed that the other local government areas will be visited and that succour would be provided for those affected in form of building of higher grounds, provision of relief materials and medicals.
Also, the commissioner for works and infrastructure, Moses Teibowei, said the concrete water barrier built in three communities was a pilot project based on the advice of his ministry. He said the trial water barrier has proved to be effective so far, adding that government was still monitoring its effectiveness, and assuring that a decision will be taken by the government to replicate them in other communities and possibly improve on them.
He said the state government also implemented a home-grown technology in parts of Yenagoa such as the Epie creek in Okutukutu area, which has prevented the area and parts of Opolo from being flooded so far. “Similar measure will be replicated around down Yenagoa, Obele, the Law School at Agudama and other parts of Yenagoa,” he added.
