Diri 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.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has assured that he has not forgotten the erosion control project at Obogoro community in Yenagoa Local Government Area.
Diri stated this in a press release on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, noting that some reports about the state of work on the project were incorrect.
Diri said the project was on course and that the government was committed to finding a lasting solution to the erosion menace.
While empathising 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 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.
The governor advised those trying to use the project to fan the embers of discord to desist.
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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 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, 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 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 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,” he said.
