Bayelsa adopts technological approach to tackle flood

The Bayelsa government has adopted a technology based approach and assembled a team of experts in its workforce to tackle perennial flooding in the state capital.

Subsequently, Commissioner for Works on Thursday, visited parts of Yenagoa metropolis, the State capital, that are flooded, with team of Engineers, Surveyors and the Permanent Secretary from the Ministry.

The inspection is to look at the challenges the people are facing and also to proffer solutions, to mitigate the problem come 2021.

The flooded areas visited are Onopa, Amarata, Opolo, AIT Road, Commissioners Quarters, Etegwe, amongst others.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the inspection, the Commissioner for Works, Mr Moses Tebowei, said the essence of the inspection is to look at the challenges people are facing, in terms of flooding, in the State.

He said: “Today we are here with our experts in the fields of engineering, surveying, mapping and environmental studies to proffer solutions to mitigate perennial flooding, not only in Yenagoa, the capital city but also the rural areas.

“This is the beginning, what we are doing today. We will go a step further to come up with suggestions, solutions, survey designs costing and implementation to mitigate the issue of perennial flooding in Bayelsa State.

“Now that we have started as I said, our attention is to visit so, that we can report to His Excellency, because he also went to visit the rural communities that are flooded too.

“Flooding is something that has come to stay with us, so I strongly believe that implementation will not be an issue because we have included it in the 2021 budget.

“Once the budget is passed and money is appropriated for it therefore there will not be a reason for us not to carry out implementation,” he said.

The Commissioner, said that the teams are divided into seven groups that will be covering the state capital and parts of the affected Local Government Areas.

He cautioned residents not to be throwing dirt into the canals so that water can flow easily.