Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has sympathised with communities and residents affected by the recent flooding in the state.
Diri has also appealed to the Federal Government to partner with the state in proffering a permanent solution to the flood by considering a dam to contain the waters.
Communities across the state including Amarata, Akenfa, Edepie, Agudama- Epie, NIIT road, Tombia among others are deeply affected by the devastating flood, even as properties and lives have been lost.
Speaking during the 90th State Executive Council Meeting in Government House, Yenagoa, on Wednesday, the governor said the plans are in place to give top priority to alleviating the suffering of victims.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniels Alabrah, Diri said the government was aware that some lives had been lost and communities ravaged while noting that his concern for the victims necessitated the setting up of the task force on flooding, which has visited more than 100 impacted communities.
The statement partly reads, “Let me assure our brothers and sisters that have been heavily impacted that while we pray the flood abates soon, your government will also do the needful as we have set up a committee during the previous state executive council meeting.
“The committee has been working tirelessly and it will present a report today on what they have done so far. From that, I believe that some succour will come from your state government.
“I also like to salute the courage of Bayelsans in the face of the ravaging floods. Homes and communities have been sacked. Our people are now living as IDPs (internally displaced persons). We have also recorded a few deaths and destruction of property due to the flood.
“The flood might not be new to us as a people as we also pride ourselves as being aquatic. However, the ratio of this year’s flood comparatively appears to be the highest. The report I have just received suggests that this would go beyond the 2012 floods.
“Our prayers are with our brothers and sisters that have been severely impacted. Every one of us, either directly or indirectly, has been impacted by the flood.”
