4 houses collapse as Dickson seeks FG intervention over landslide

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has called on the Federal Government to intervene in the grave ecological threat facing some communities in the state through the Ecological Fund.

The governor made the call when he visited Odi community in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state to inspect damage caused by a recent landslide in the area, where four houses collapsed into River Nun.

The landslide, which occurred after heavy rains, swept away houses and property worth millions of naira into the nearby river, destroyed electricity cables, and threw the town into darkness.

Dickson disclosed that other communities in the state, such as  Akassa, Egweama, Koluama, Twon-Brass, Agbere and Toru-Orua were under threat from similar challenges.

According to the governor, while it would be good and expected of the Federal Government to wade into the issue, the state government would take immediate steps to respond to the incident within the limits of available resources.

He also directed the ministries of Environment, and Works and Infrastructure to jointly undertake a technical assessment of the area, the impact of the landslide and recommend lasting solutions.

He said, “We have seen the devastation caused by the landslide and this is not something new to most of our communities.

“We have the Ecological Fund managed by the Federal Government and these are the purposes for which it was set up. It was for people who actually need that type of intervention.

“The situation in Odi is pathetic. Our prayers are with the people of this community and its leadership. I have seen the houses destroyed and swept into the river but no life was lost.

“We will not wait for the Federal Government or its intervention agencies. It would be nice if they come to our aid like they ought to and I will make that request but seeing our people in this state, despite the funding constraint, we will still start something immediately,” he said.

Already, Odi Council of Chiefs has appealed to the Federal Government to approve the Odi shoreline protection project as the surge of the River Nun has claimed four houses and large portion of the major road in the community.

Chief Throughman Abiama, who spoke on behalf of chiefs’ council, when Daily Trust visited the area, said if nothing was done urgently, the community may soon be washed away into the River Nun.