Bàyelsa Assembly Demands Urgent Action on Erosion Ravage in Ogbogoro, Other Communites

By Obebhaziba Mac- Ogidi

YENAGOA — The Bayelsa State House of Assembly has called for urgent government intervention to tackle the devastating erosion threatening Ogbogoro community in Yenagoa Constituency 1 and other riverine communities across the state.

Ogbogoro Community in Bàyelsa State Capital.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the member representing Yenagoa Constituency 1, Hon. Ayibanegiyefa Egba, titled: “Urgent Call on the Bayelsa State Government to Intervene in the Devastation of Ogbogoro Community in Yenagoa Constituency 1.”

In a two-point resolution, the Assembly urged the state government to provide immediate remedial and protective measures to contain the erosion and prevent further destruction of homes, farmlands, roads and other critical infrastructure.

The lawmakers also called on members of the National Assembly from Bayelsa State to raise the issue at the federal level and seek the intervention of relevant Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for emergency assistance and long-term measures to address the menace.

Moving the motion, Egba described erosion as a major environmental challenge affecting several communities in Bayelsa, particularly settlements located along riverbanks.

She said the uncontrolled erosion in Ogbogoro had already affected portions of residential areas, farmlands, roads and other infrastructure, posing a serious threat to residents and the future development of the community.

Supporting the motion, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Michael Ogbere, said erosion was affecting virtually all riverbank communities across the state.

Ogbere stressed the need for immediate intervention in Ogbogoro to prevent further destruction, while expressing concern over alleged illegal sand dredging in the community.

According to him, the activity could be contributing to the worsening erosion situation, urging relevant authorities to take decisive action against illegal dredging.

The Leader of the House, Hon. Monday Bubou-Obolo, said the Assembly should engage the executive arm of government on mechanisms for attracting partnerships with relevant intervention agencies to address the environmental challenge.

He also called for members of the Assembly to visit Ogbogoro for an on-the-spot assessment of the extent of the damage.

Other lawmakers, including Hon. Gabriel Ogbara, Hon. Ebizi Brown, Hon. Tare Porri and Hon. Victor Ben-Selekaye, supported the motion, stressing the severity of the erosion and its potential impact on affected communities.

They urged the state government to collaborate with relevant federal agencies to tackle the problem and called for the effective deployment of ecological funds to address the environmental challenge.

Earlier, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, welcomed lawmakers back from recess for the final session of the Seventh Assembly.

Ingobere urged the lawmakers to renew their commitment to legislative duties and service to the people of Bayelsa State.

The Speaker also commended the Clerk of the House, Mr. Kent Adogu, and other staff for their support, commitment and dedication, describing their contributions as vital to the smooth conduct of legislative business.

He further appreciated Governor Douye Diri for what he described as the continued partnership between the legislative and executive arms of government, noting that mutual understanding and respect between the two arms remained important to the development of the state.