FLOODING: BAYELSA GOVERNMENT COMMENCES CLEARING OF CANALS
FLOODING: BAYELSA GOVERNMENT COMMENCES CLEARING OF CANALS
The Bayelsa State Government through the Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control has commenced the desilting of creeks and canals within Yenagoa and its environs to mitigate perennial flooding in the State.
Briefing newsmen during an onsite inspection by the Team of the Directorate on Thursday May 22, 2025, the Director General of the Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control, Surv. Wilson Omuso, disclosed that clearing and cleanup begun in Goodnews Street and Agbura second bridge axis with more equipment already mobilized to other locations to commence work.
According to Surv. Omuso, by the Directorate’s schedule, the clearing of the downstream canals, comprising three major cannals would be concluded before proceeding to the upstream canals.
The Director General added that while making observations and studies through geospatial means, the Directorate discovered that the downstream was made up of the three major canals which collect flood water from all other channels and let it into creeks and the sea in the State.
The Director General explained that water usually flows forcefully from the upstream to the downstream, pointing out that desilting the downstream canals first was necessary to allow free flow of water without obstruction, thereby preventing the damage.
On the Epie Creek, Surv. Omuso stated that the creek was deeper than normal canals and required more sophisticated machines capable of reaching the dept, assuring that, Government was making frantic efforts to acquire the proper equipment to desilt the creek. He assured that there are also plans to distil the Kolo and Tailor Creeks
Commenting on structures blocking canals, the Director General said the team was taking note of them and would report to Government for appropriate action to ensure a successful exercise.
He said that the state Government is committed to mitigating flooding in the State, adding that, all canals would be cleared to save residents from the devastating impact of flooding.
On his part, the Secretary of the Directorate, Mr. Daniel Tenemeni, advised residents to desist from dumping refuse into the water channels, warning that such act which he warned could lead to blockade and flooding.
Speaking, a Landlord at Goodnews Street where work was ongoing , Mr. Godwin Igiri, expressed joy over the exercise, stating that in the past the area was usually affected by flood, noting however, that the yearly desilting exercise of the Douye Diri-led Government has saved them from the impact. Mr. Igiri commended the Governor for the timely intervention.
