Bayelsa govt embarks on assessment tour of community over ocean surge
Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2025 10:24 am
The Bayelsa state government through the Ministry of Community Development has embarked on an on-the-spot assessment of the reported ocean surge of the new camp (fishing settlement) along the Atlantic shoreline at Okpoama in Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
It was gathered that the move was part of efforts by the state government to curtail the menace of coastline erosion in communities across the state.
Speaking during the tour, the state commissioner for community development, Hon. Belemote Alfred Watson, explained the intentions of the Governor Douye Diri-led state government, stating that the administration has the best interest of the people at heart.
Belemote who also hails from Okpoama noted that there was an urgent need to embark on the assessment tour.
"It was important to be here and also hear from the dwellers on the prevailing challenges they face so as to know the next proactive steps to take in curbing the situation," he added.
The commissioner assured rural dwellers of the fishing camp that an adequate report will be sent back to the government for immediate action.
On their part, Chief Dimu Elebiju and Miss Andrew Bogofanyo said it was necessary to call on the state government to come to their aid on the prevailing challenges bedeviling the settlement.
In separate remarks, the duo said the ocean is invading their lands and homes, washing away their properties, thereby making life and living conditions difficult for them.
They lamented the rate of sea pirates and other related vices during fishing.
They called on the state government for support in the form of relief materials, as well as curb the erosion.
https://www.facebook.com/10006360480855 ... 7S9Ucbxw6v
It was gathered that the move was part of efforts by the state government to curtail the menace of coastline erosion in communities across the state.
Speaking during the tour, the state commissioner for community development, Hon. Belemote Alfred Watson, explained the intentions of the Governor Douye Diri-led state government, stating that the administration has the best interest of the people at heart.
Belemote who also hails from Okpoama noted that there was an urgent need to embark on the assessment tour.
"It was important to be here and also hear from the dwellers on the prevailing challenges they face so as to know the next proactive steps to take in curbing the situation," he added.
The commissioner assured rural dwellers of the fishing camp that an adequate report will be sent back to the government for immediate action.
On their part, Chief Dimu Elebiju and Miss Andrew Bogofanyo said it was necessary to call on the state government to come to their aid on the prevailing challenges bedeviling the settlement.
In separate remarks, the duo said the ocean is invading their lands and homes, washing away their properties, thereby making life and living conditions difficult for them.
They lamented the rate of sea pirates and other related vices during fishing.
They called on the state government for support in the form of relief materials, as well as curb the erosion.
https://www.facebook.com/10006360480855 ... 7S9Ucbxw6v