Obogoro Erosion Control Project Not Abandoned – Diri

The Bayelsa State Government has described reports that it abandoned the erosion control project in Obogoro Community in Yenagoa Local Government Area as 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 empathisng with the community over the negative effects of the coastal erosion, including the loss of lives, land, property and sources of livelihood, Diri urged the community to keep faith with 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 from doing so.

The governor said Obogoro was not the only community affected by erosion and similar environmental menace in the state as his own community, Sampou, and others were also affected.

Diri revealed that 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 government and the community, agreement was reached to suspend the dredging works and that the project be redesigned to shoreline protection.

“Also, the ministry subsequently engaged a technical team, which carried out survey map of the project site, bathymetric and topography survey and geo-technical studies.

“Obogoro cannot therefore claim to be neglected as this administration has built schools, health centre and roads among other projects in the community as well as appointed a commissioner and other senior officials of the government from that community.”