Bayelsa State Government has assured that the erosion control project in Obogoro community in Yenagoa Local Government Area has not been abandoned.
A statement on Friday, 31st March 2023 signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor, Daniel Alabrah, said that the government said some reports about the state of work on the project were incorrect and grossly inaccurate.
Governor Douye Diri, who gave the clarification in a press release by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, said, on the contrary, the project was on course and that the government was committed to finding a lasting solution to the erosion menace.
While empathizing with the community over the negative effects of the coastal erosion, including the loss of lives, land, property, and sources of livelihood, Governor Diri urged the community to keep faith in the government to rescue the situation.
He said he had visited the community and had also been briefed about the outcry of the community over the issue.
He advised those trying to use the project to fan the embers of discord to desist.
The governor said Obogoro was not the only community affected by erosion and similar environmental menace in the state as his community, Sampou, and others were also affected.
The state’s helmsman said he had just received a detailed report from the state Ministry of Environment on the Obogoro erosion project and had given directives on how to address the menace permanently.
He explained that part of the report showed that the site clearing and part-dredging had been done and that the sum of N750 million had been spent on the ongoing project so far.
He further stated that at a meeting between the government and the community, an agreement was reached to suspend the dredging works and that the project be redesigned for shoreline protection.
“Also, the ministry subsequently engaged a technical team, which carried out a survey map of the project site, bathymetric and topography survey, and geotechnical studies.
“Obogoro cannot, therefore, claim to be neglected as this administration has built schools, health centres, and roads among other projects in the community as well as appointed a commissioner and other senior officials of the government from that community.”
