It has got to that time of the year when the people of the Niger Delta and those residing in flood prone areas would be forced out of their homes. Many people are already been rendered homeless while others have died as a result of flood.
In Bayelsa State, the situation is frightening. An environmentalist, and head of the Environmental Rights Action, ERA, office in Bayelsa State, Mr Morris Alagoa in this interview with TNN, paints a picture of what may become of Bayelsa and parts of Rivers State in the days to come. His reasoning is that, painfully, there is no permanent solution to the flood menace.
Excerpts:
What is the flood situation in Bayelsa now?
The flood level is rising by the day and communities are seriously affected in Bayelsa State. ERA even received related calls from JK4( Edagbiri/Betterland) in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State. Communities already hit in Bayelsa State include Adagbabiri, Ikarama, Kolo, and those in Biseni clan. This is besides communities in the state capital and environs, where victims are relocating.
How different or similar is this year’s flood havoc compared to that of 2012?
It is relatively still too early to say with finality because the volume of water flowing from the Kogi axis to Onitsha and down Bayelsa is yet to really land here. So, we should be expecting something close or more than 2012. ERA has continued to receive calls from communities in parts of Yenagoa and Southern Ijaw local government areas of the state. We have suggested that they plan ahead on relocation and how to save property that would be left in their houses. Already, the Bayelsa State government has set up a flood committee to take care of this year’s flood and advise government on how to deal with it in subsequent years. But, it is shocking that only commissioners of some ministries are part of the committee: environment, agriculture, works and infrastructure, etc., without any mention of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). This is very strange
This is the time we expect SEMA to be up and doing, as an agency established for such emergencies by law. SEMA also interfaces with NEMA. So, it is not proper to render SEMA redundant. Doing so defeats the purpose of setting up the agency. Some Bayelsans are of the opinion, including myself, that as good as the state government sees the need to react to the emergency situation, side-lining SEMA is to deny the statutory emergency management agency so because of envisaged funds that would be released and be captured by some public office holders. Benefit captors are internal enemies who deny victims by benefiting from their suffering.
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Let’s have a clear picture of the current situation, especially the experience of some of the flood victims that you may have interfaced with.
Victims are calling for help from government, even as they are doing their best in the face of current challenges posed. Two contacts from Ikarama community in Okordia Clan of Yenagoa local government area told ERA that they have no options than prepare for relocation to safer grounds within the same environment. For now, Biseni and Adagbabiri are a worst case scenario; even though places like Tombia community are getting flooded. It is a very sad commentary, as victims call for assistance in terms of relief materials and alternative accommodation.
As it is now, what are your fears, especially as the full blown flood has not even started?
I am really concerned about the welfare of whoever is going to be victim. It has so much implications; even where to bathe, toilet and cook, for those who are not relocating, remain additional problem. Also, with the flood coming relatively late, it means it is going to enter deep into November before receding completely. The issue of food during and after the flood is also a concern. Thank God, in anticipation, schools have gone on six weeks flood induced holiday, to enable children and parents or guardians stay close. The closure of schools is commendable, unlike previous years when we had to advocate for same before the closure. The current action is proactive.
The annual flood has been part of our environment and we cannot prevent it. But dealing with the flood is not rocket science, as the whites are dealing with snow in their environment. Experts should be consulted for the right approaches in dealing with the issue in future. The state should get needed support and collaboration from the Ecological Fund and address the issues head-on. During the administration of Chief Melford Okilo as governor of old Rivers State; instead of generator, the people of Keme-ebiama requested for their community to be sand filled. Not only did Okilo sand fill the community, he built some low cost houses for the community. And, not even the 2012 flood affected that community. So, dealing with flood is not rocket science; experts can advise.
But what do you think is the permanent solution to perennial flood in Bayelsa?
There cannot be any such solution, just as those in America, Europe and Asia have not been able to stop snow. It is part of us. But, our people can help themselves by adopting structures such as roads and buildings in alignment with such monster floods…raise structures and sand filling new areas for extension of communities (higher grounds). Flood is not 100% bad, there are benefits locally too. Developers and Government agencies should not distort the natural drainages in any environment. Culverts and bridges should always be considered instead of outright blocking.
So, there can’t be permanent solution?
Flooding comes with rainy season. Apart from runoffs, when the ground is saturated and can’t absorb anyone, any additional would be flood. Since it is a seasonal thing; it cannot be stopped; it is part of our unique environment. If we adjust by creating the necessary water paths, create raised areas and build roads and other structures accordingly; the floods would come be with little or no impacts.
