Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has directed that flood prone areas be identified for sand filling in Yenagoa and Ekeremor LGA to relocate residents in the event of devastating floods.

He charged the flood control team to extend their operations to Biseni, Tombia and Obirigbene communities in Ekeremor and Yenagoa LGA which suffer perennial flooding.

He urged residents to cooperate with the government in order to mitigate the negative impact of flooding.

He spoke during a meeting with the Ministry of Environment, the State Flood Control Directorate, the Environmental Sanitation Authority, Chairmen of local government areas and rural development authorities in Yenagoa, the state capital.

In a statement by his aide, Mr Doubara Atasi, assured that flooding in the state would be less severe because of the government’s proactive measures to address the menace.

He, however, urged the ministries of environment and information, the Flood Control Directorate and other relevant agencies not to rest on their oars but rather intensify efforts including embarking on sensitisation campaigns on proper refuse disposal and clearing of blocked drainages.

He equally directed all relevant MDAs to work together to ensure that identified higher grounds in flood prone communities are sand-filled and made habitable in the event of any devastating flooding.

His words, “The Commissioner for Information, Strategy and Orientation, Environmental Sanitation Authority and Flood Control Directorate should carry out sensitisation programmes on the impending flood.

“They should also enlighten our people in rural areas using town criers because we really need to adequately inform our people on the need to stay safe. The Directorate should not pay attention to Yenagoa, the state capital alone.” (The Nation)