By Obiabin Onukwugha
Foremost environmental activist, Morris Alagoa, has urged the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), to match action with words towards addressing the coastal erosion in Sangana Community, Brass local government area of Bayelsa State.
Alagoa, who is the Programme Manager, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, ERA/FoEN, Niger Delta Resource Center, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, was reacting to the recent visit by the NDDC Leadership to the community.
The environmentalist in an exclusive interview with NatureNews in Warri, Delta State capital on Tuesday, said the call became imperative as the visit has raised the hopes of community folks.
Alagoa, who thanked the NDDC and the federal government for the swift response to the people’s cry, stressed that completing the project will give the Sangana community a new lease of life.
“We have to commend the NDDC for the swift visit to Sangana Community, even though we have other communities affected. According to the NDDC MD, Dr Ogboku, it was a presidential directive, meaning the President has also heard the cry of the people.
“So the swift response was very good, they went with some relief materials like mattress, foams and food items. That was s very good and commendable one. He also made pronouncement that they are going to look at the best method of ensuring the protection of that community and they changed their original plan that they had for that community. That is also good.
“The only thing is that it should not just end in talking, it should not be a political statement. The people cannot be assuaged, their problem is there with them and so with that promise they have raised the hopes of the people that respite is around the corner and so whatever needs to be done, the NDDC should be swift in doing that.
“I know that though it was not budgeted for this year, some times you do budget and you put contingencies. So the NDDC should look into that, if possible supported by the presidency to ensure that the people of Sangana, Odioma and other coastline communities in Bayelsa State are having their shorelines protected. Let this project be effective to prevent the community from being washed away,” he stated.