The Bayelsa government and the Environmental Conservation, Agriculture and Rural Development have begun a campaign against the blockade of natural water channels.

Alagoa Morris, technical adviser on environment to the Bayelsa governor, disclosed this at an advocacy meeting with the Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control in Yenagoa on Tuesday.

Mr Morris said that his office would work with ECARD to deepen the knowledge of effective water channel clearing across the state.

The governor’s aide called for legislation to protect the state directorate of flood and erosion control from unnecessary policy changes by future administrations.

He urged the Bayelsa House of Assembly to empower the directorate to remove structures that blocked natural water channels.

Mr Morris commended the directorate for its commitment towards clearing natural water channels and creeks, saying, “Your efforts have enhanced the free flow of rainwater.

“There is a need to collaborate with relevant bodies to construct elevated shelters for residents displaced by flooding. Flood control projects should be extended beyond Yenagoa to other flood-prone local government areas in the state.”

Omuso Wilson, the director of flood and erosion control, identified the blockade of natural water channels as a major cause of flooding in the state. Mr Wilson said that effective clearing and maintenance of natural waterways remained critical to the campaign against flooding.

“We thought that Yenagoa had only about nine natural water channels, but with modern technology, about 54 additional channels have been identified. The Epie Creek is Yenagoa City’s major natural drainage route; it is worrisome that blockages have reduced its capacity to discharge floodwaters,” he said.

The ECARD programme manager, Henry Adike, said that Bayelsa’s fragile ecosystem required careful environmental planning and sustained stakeholder collaboration.

Mr Adike expressed the need for long-term solutions to the challenge of flooding in the interest of the affected communities. He urged the authorities to identify and preserve Bayelsa’s natural drainage networks and its biodiversity.

“As a body, ECARD remains committed to partnering with the state government to build a safer environment,” he said.

(NAN)