All is now set to commence work on Obogoro canalization project to curb erosion menace

 By Inegbagha Majesty

All is now set to commence work on Obogoro canalization project in Yenagoa local government area of Bayelsa state to curtail the erosion menace devastating the community.

 

To this end, the State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. lselema Gbaranbiri along with the Permanent Secretary, Mr Waripamo Martin with Nigergreen Dredging lnternational LTD, the company in charge of the project checks out various areas around Obogoro environs to kick start the canalization process.

Speaking during the exercise on Tuesday, Hon Gbaranbiri expressed optimism that when the work is completed, Obogoro erosion problem would be a thing of the past.

The Commissioner also went along with Mr Daniel Tenemeni, Director, Flood and Erosion Control Department in the Ministry of Environment.

Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment also met with the Federal Ministry of Environment, consultants and others on the Obogoro project, to discuss the need for proper environmental impact assessment during an interactive session on Wednesday.

 

The Honourable Commissioner while formally declaring the interactive session open at the Ministy’s conference hall, reiterated the state government’s deliberate resolve for a proper Environmental Impact Assessment to be carried out before commencement of the project.

He said, without a holistic study of the impact of the project on the environment, the livelihood of the next generations would be destroyed while trying to save the present generation.

According the Environment Commissioner, specific areas to be studied are; Vegetation and Wildlife, Water and Sediments as well as Soil studies and Land Use.

Other areas are the Socio-economic Impact Assessment, Air quality/ Meteorological and Hydrology/Fisheries studies.

He further noted that the project, which is to divert the flow of the current, is to cover a stretch 1.2km of length, a depth of 12m and a width of 80m, adding that, if completed, will reduce the erosion effect on Obogoro community and its environment, if not completely.

In attendance during the interactive session were; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Waripamo Martin, Director Environmental Assessment Department (EAD), Mr James Inoyo, Deputy Director,( EAD) Mr Njoku I.C, the Assistant Chief Environmental Management Officer, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mr Wariowei Aleibiri representing the State Controller, officials  of the Ministry of Environment, Bayelsa State and representatives of the affected communities.

 

Others were the lead consultant, Prof Iwekumo Agbozu, Dr. Nwosisi Michael, Dr. Azibaola K. Inengite, Dr Okpara Kingsley, Mr  Agbozu Ebiki Ebi, James Odafe and Mr Ekhator Okeoghene Precious.