FLOODING IN PARTS OF YENAGOA: BAYELSA GOVT WARNS LAND DEVELOPERS AGAINST BUILDING ON NATURAL DRAINS

23/05/2013
FLOODING IN PARTS OF YENAGOA: BAYELSA GOVT WARNS LAND DEVELOPERS AGAINST BUILDING ON NATURAL DRAINS

In a clear demonstration of concern over flooding affecting some residents of Yenagoa as a result of ongoing road construction works, the state Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah has undertaken an assessment tour of some of the affected parts of the town.

Speaking to newsmen at the end of the tour, the Deputy Governor assured the people that government would put palliative measures in place to lessen their sufferings.

While appealing to the affected residents to show understanding and cooperate with government by clearing their drainages to make for free flow of water, Rear Admiral John Jonah assured them that government was doing everything possible to address the problem.

He directed the commissioner for works and infrastructure and other relevant ministries as well as agencies to work closely with the various contractors to create temporary channels to drain out water from the affected areas.

Describing the landform of Yenagoa and its environs as very low, the Deputy Governor observed that though it is difficult to completely prevent flooding in the meantime, the present administration would engage the services of technical experts to carry out relevant baseline studies with a view to constructing major drainages within the town.

Rear Admiral John Jonah however, warned the people to resist the temptation of building on natural drainages, stating that henceforth, government will not hesitate to deal decisively with those who flout the already existing land development and town planning laws.

“The drainage problem has been a persistent one because people build on areas that they are not supposed to. We have seen some channels that people have built across, thereby obstructing the flow of water. It does not encourage sustainable development and so we will do everything we can to put a stop to that within the confines of existing urban and town planning laws.

“Bayelsans should also help us; you don’t need to dump garbage on drainage path because if you do that your house will be flooded. There are areas we have identified that need immediate intervention for water to flow. But we recall that Yenagoa is a very low line area. And so to avoid flooding totally would be a very difficult task but the report on the areas that we should open up has already been submitted. Having seen the areas with the concerned commissioners by myself, I am going to write a memo to the Governor to make sure the areas are opened up as a temporary measure for water to flow. ”

The Deputy Governor, who visited Azikoro, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN/Osiri in Ekeki, Isaac Boro roads was accompanied by the Commissioner of Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Lawrence Ewrudjakpo, Capital City Development, Mr. Zuwa Konugah, Information and Orientation, Markson Fefegha, Lands and Survey, Furoebi Akene and Special Projects, Fred Obuah.

Others are, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Anapurere Awoli, Chief of Staff Government House, Chief Diekivie Ikiogha and Executive Secretary of Capital City Development Authority, Chief Iboro Ige-Idaba.

BAYELSA GOVT RECEIVES SURVEY PLAN FOR AGGE DEEP SEAPORT

21/05/2013

The Survey report of the proposed Agge Deep Seaport in Ekeremor Local
Government Area of Bayelsa State has been presented to the state
Government by the Nigerian Army Engineers.
The Deep Sea Port is to occupy an area of about eight thousand
hectares, which is an increase from the initial seven thousand
proposed for the facility.
Speaking after receiving the Survey report in Government House,
Yenagoa, Governor Seriake Dickson said the plan by the administration
to build a world class Deep Seaport in the State was now on course.
His words, “Today, my dear people of Bayelsa State, you are now seeing
in real terms, our plans to transform our economy beyond Oil and Gas.
And, I have always said that, we are going to spare no effort in
utilizing the maritime endowments of the state.
“Our decision to build a world class deep sea port is now on course.
What you are seeing today is the beginning of a long journey. I know
we still have a long way to go before we have a deep sea port, but
then we have started”.
Hon. Dickson, who noted that the surveyed area extended over fifteen
hectares of land, directed the Commissioner of Land and Survey to
begin the process of enumeration as well as computation of the claims
and entitlements of the owners of the affected areas, to enable
government commence the payment of adequate, fair and prompt
compensations as required by law.
He commended the Nigerian Army Engineering Corps for the professional
manner it undertook the assignment and expressed delight with the
partnership, noting that it was the beginning of what will become a
mutually beneficial relationship.
“This is just the beginning of what will be a mutually beneficial long
term relationship and partnership”, Governor Dickson assured the
Nigerian Army.
He used the occasion to commend the Chief of Army Staff, for
diligently carrying out his duties at such a critical stage in the
nation’s nascent democracy, describing him as a loyal and hard working
officer.
Earlier, the Commander, Engineers Corps, Nigerian Army, Major General
Funso Owonibi noted that, the assignment has been rewarding, adding
that the hydrographic Survey of the proposed deep seaport will soon be
completed and presented to government.
General Owonibi expressed appreciation to the state government for the
confidence reposed in the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers, stating
that the Army Engineers were carrying out other engineering related
assignments in Abia, Anambra and Delta States.

GOV DICKSON WANTS BAYELSA PROFESSIONALS ABROAD TO INVEST IN THE STATE AND SUPPORT DEVELOPMENTAL EFFORTS OF GOVT

21/05/2013

Bayelsans in the diaspora have been urged to come back home and explore the enormous potentials of the State by investing in various sectors of the State’s economy.

They have also been told to apply the knowledge acquired during their sojourn abroad to support the developmental efforts of Government as well assist in developing their communities.

Governor Seriake Dickson who made the call while inauguration a 25-member Diaspora Mobilisation and Contact Committee in Government House, Yenagoa, noted that Bayelsa is in a hurry to develop and attain enviable heights in all critical sectors of human endeavour.

He therefore charged the committee to encourage diaspora professionals to partner with government in bringing about the needed human capacity and infrastructural development in the state.

“We have come to the stage in our development that we want to mobilise the resources of our people because our human resources are the most important resources at our disposal. Earlier, in the life of this administration, we knew that we were going to get to this point. That was why I appointed the Chairman of this Committee, Mr. Charles Preye Zuofa, as Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Mobilization. But I knew that just appointing one person would not be able to get the job done because of the magnitude and importance of the assignment”.

Governor Dickson reiterated his administration’s vision of making Bayelsa the melting-pot of all Ijaws and urged the members of the committee to be good ambassadors of the state by promoting the cultural heritage of the Ijaw man.

Apart from wooing donor agencies and non governmental organisations to partner with the state in the provision of medical supplies and other relief materials especially during emergencies, the committee is also expected to develop synergy for inter and intra cultural harmony as well as promote exchanges at all levels.

The committee’s terms of reference, according to the Governor, also include building capacity for investment opportunities for corporate investors from Bayelsa in the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia.

“You are to project Bayelsa as a tourist attraction to the diaspora community, friends and investors as well as encourage the teaching and learning of the Ijaw language, history and culture amongst our children in the diaspora”, he added.

Responding, Chairman of the Diaspora Mobilisation and Contact Committee, Mr. Charles Preye Zuofa assured the Governor of the committee’s readiness to work together with the restoration team to actualize its agenda.

The Chairman conveyed the appreciation of the delegation of the Bayelsa Diaspora community who attended the 2013 Boro Day Anniversary, saying they were impressed with the ongoing infrastructural development in the state.

The committee has Tarela Diffa-Umeri as its Secretary while Mr. Lancelot Anyanya, Amagbe Kentebe and Inemo Samiama are to serve as members.

Other members of the committee representing are United States based Francis Kabiowei Udisi, Dawari Long-John, Dr. David Ogula, Dr. Beniah Oye, Cordelia Neiketin-Tawari, Joseph Ebiware, Matthew Sikpi, Mrs. N. Akamande and Mrs. Regina Onyeibe.

Members of the committee resident in the United Kingdom include Mr. Rowland Ekperi, Moa Anyamah, Professor Prince Efere, Peter Okorodudu and Funkezi Koroye-Crooks, while Mr. Shedrack Fubara is based in Canada.

Pere-ere Owonaro, Juliet Pog’sosia and Dr. Kemekeyi Oti are based in Holland, France and Germany with Esther Boro and Justice Joffa in the Scandinavia and Ghana in West Africa respectively.