At least 250 homes have been destroyed in the coastal Odioma community in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, due to a devastating ocean surge. The surge has not only destroyed homes but also displaced hundreds of residents, leaving them in a state of distress. The Chairman of Odioama Council of Chiefs, Chief Marlin Omiemunafa, raised an alarm about the community’s existential threat and called for urgent intervention from the government.
Governor Douye Diri visited the community to assess the damage and assured the affected residents that immediate remedial work would begin. The state government plans to embark on a 1.5km shore protection project while waiting for the Federal Government to collaborate on a permanent solution. Governor Diri emphasized the need for the Federal Government to reciprocate Bayelsa State’s contribution to the nation’s economic well-being by offering support in addressing the ongoing sea encroachment issues faced by coastal communities.
Diri acknowledged the limitations of the state government’s resources and called for the joint effort between the state and federal authorities to tackle the environmental problems caused by erosion and flooding. The governor stated that the shoreline protection project initiated by the state government, while commendable, was just a drop in the ocean and that a collective approach was needed to effectively address the issue.
In response to Governor Diri’s call for collaboration, engineers from the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure will present a cost estimate for the project to the State Executive Council. The Governor hopes for the intervention and support of the Federal Government to tackle the persistent threats faced by Odioma and other affected communities.
The devastating impact of the ocean surge in Bayelsa State highlights the urgent need for proactive measures to protect coastal communities from natural disasters. It is crucial for the government to prioritize the implementation of long-term solutions that can safeguard residents’ lives and properties. By collaborating with the Federal Government, Bayelsa State aims to address the ongoing challenges and mitigate the effects of sea encroachment.
