By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has called onnthe Federal Government to address the recent flood disasters in Yenagoa area of Bayelsa State.
This was sequel to adoption of urgent public importance by Rep. Oforji Oboku lawmaker representing Yenagoa/Kolokoma, Federal Constituency of from Bayasa State. the “Need to for the Federal Government To address Flood Disasters in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State” on Wednesdayatplenary.
Thr lawmaker noted that Bisoni Community in Yenengua Local Government Area of Bayasa State is made up of 13 communities, which are often hit at every rainy season.
According to Oboku, the area is a home for farmers and fishermen, but due to severe impact of flooding, residents are struggling to sustain their livelihood with home and farm submerged.
The motion reads in part: “Also note that Bisoni Community as an oil-producing community because of the oil exploration by Shell Development Company and ICHIP has contributed immensely to the economic development of this country and therefore deserve better.
The lawmaker further noted that her was personally on ground to witness first-hand the devastating effect of flood to the community on Saturday the 16th of November 2024, where he donated relief material and cash.
“Majority of the residents have been rendered homeless.
“Businesses and farms destroyed resulting in people abandoning submerged homes moving to a refugee camp. As we speak, the community is not accessible by road as the road network has been totally submerged and put at use to assess various parts of the community.
“Aware that the major cause of this perennial flood disaster is the overflowing water from the River Niger, Orochi River, River Nun and the Taylor Creek because the river bank is filled with sand.
“Concerned that the federal government should immediately commence the dredging of River Niger, Orochi River, River Nun and Taylor Creek and the dry sand can be used in some filling to create an alternative camp for refugees during the rainy season”, he added.
Tje Bayelsa lawmaker also commended the Biasa State Government for its swift response to emergency in terms of donations of relief material and cash to the community.
“Similarly, I also appreciate the effort of the Natural Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, for its intervention in providing relief material to the community”, he stated.
The House through a voice vote adopted the motion and referred to its Committees on disaster management for further legislative action.