Flood threat: NDDC constructs emergency shelters for victims

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku says the Commission is building six multi-purpose emergency shelters in Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states for Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in the event of flood in the Niger Delta region.

Ogbuku, who spoke at a press conference in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, said the Commission was taking proactive steps to ameliorate the impact of the perennial flood in the region.

Dr Ogbuku said the project was conceived as a response to the frequent flooding challenges faced by Niger Deltans. He noted that facilities at the emergency shelter would include essential amenities such as a school, hospital, cafeteria, police post, and recreation center, which would provide comprehensive support to the communities in times of distress.

He said, “We have six of this facility currently under construction in Otuokpoti and Odi, in Bayelsa State, while the ones in Delta State are being built in Patani and Ozorro and another two in Rivers State.”

He assured that the Commission would intensify its efforts to light up communities across the nine states of the Niger Delta, with solar-powered street lights, as part of measures to fight criminality and maintain peace in the region.

Ogbuku expressed delight at the positive impact of the “Light Up the Niger Delta” campaign, which he observed had reduced criminality in the various communities and enhanced commercial activities in the areas.