Residents of Artebor Briggs/Dominion Assembly road in Akenpai Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, have contributed money and mobilized manpower to prepare higher ground in preparation for the impending flood.
The self-help project spare headed by Mr. Victor Owubou, is said to be effort by residents to draw the attention of government to their plight, while expressing their willingness to contribute to the effort government at all levels to alleviate the sufferings of Bayelsans.
According to Mr. Victor Owubou, an indigene of Toru-Orua Community in Sagbama Local Government Area of the State, the first phase of the project is the repairs of the road, which will enable residents move freely during the flood and opening of drainages.
Speaking to newsmen who monitored the project, Owubou said; “it is difficult for people to move whenever rain falls because the road is very bad. Every year, we see our mothers, father’s, wives and children suffer because of the bad condition of the road.
”Our children struggle to go to school. So few of us decided to coordinate a fundraiser to start preparing for the impending flood, while we anticipate the government to do their own part to save us from the flood.
”So far, we have spent over N400,000 and we are going to spend more as contributions continue to come in. Our governor is a miracle governor and he has touched many lives. So we believe that he will come to our aid. So, we are appealing that he should remember us as he prepares for the flood.”
Also speaking, High Chief Gift Omungu, Akparole (1) of Ayama Kingdom in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, said “We are trying to fix the road because it is very bad. We are also clearing the drainages in preparation for the flood. We are appealing to the governor to come to our aid.”
Another resident, Mr Ifiemi Bank from Akassa in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, said “I built my house in 2014 and since then, every year we suffer during raining season. We have made several appeals but no result yet.
”So, we are still appealing to our listening governor, Senator Douye Diri, to come and rescue us before the flood will come. We doing this little to assure the government that we are willing to partner with them if they will be gracious to come and help us.”
