2024 Flood Alert: Bayelsa Directs Environment Ministry, Sanitation Authority To Intensify Preparation

The Bayelsa State Government has directed its ministry of environment and sanitation authority to intensify preparations against the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMeT’s) predictions of massive flooding across several states in the country.The Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, gave the directive while presiding over the 138th State Executive Council at the Exco Chambers of Government House in Yenagoa, on Wednesday.Describing Bayelsa as the exit point where waters from River Niger and Benue River empty into the Atlantic Ocean, Senator Ewhrudjakpo, stressed the need for the people and the state government to fully prepare for any flood emergency.He specifically charged the Environment Ministry and the Sanitation Authority to leave no stone unturned in the clearing and opening up of natural water canals to facilitate unrestricted flow of water to check avoidable flooding.The Deputy Governor equally reiterated his call on the people of the state to avoid indiscriminate disposal of refuse on drainages and other water channels to prevent flooding and environmental pollution.His words: “As you are aware, Bayelsa State is the receptacle from which all the water from River Niger and River Benue exit into the Atlantic Ocean. And so, it will be necessary for us to be on hyper-alert.”Even though this year’s flood may not be as huge and high as 2012 or 2022, we really have to prepare ourselves because we believe prevention is cheaper than cure.”While it is inevitable and natural, we must also take steps as citizens to ensure that our drainages are cleared. We must also desist from the habit of dumping refuse on our drainages.”On this note, His Excellency, the Governor is hereby directing the Ministry of Environment to liaise with the state Environmental Sanitation Authority to ensure that there is regular clearing of drainages.”While expressing satisfaction with the level of preparedness so far by the State Emergency Management Agency, he urged the local government councils to complement the state government’s efforts by putting measures in place to alleviate the suffering of the people in the event of any devastating flooding experience.The Bayelsa Number Two Man also thanked security agencies for the sacrifices they are making to keep the state safe for investments and socioeconomic activities to thrive in Bayelsa.Senator Ewhrudjakpo seized the opportunity to appreciate Bayelsans for their abiding support and love for the Governor Douye Diri-led Prosperity Government and enjoined them to prepare for the state annual thanksgiving service on the 2nd of November, 2024.