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By David Owei
The Paramount Ruler of Akenpai-Epie Community in Yenagoa Local Government Area, HRH Chief Gabriel Obi, has called on the Bayelsa State Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control Agency to consult traditional rulers before deploying equipment for canal clearing and drainage works.
Chief Obi made the call on the heels of the agency’s announcement that it has commenced opening of waterways ahead of the anticipated 2026 flood.
He said traditional rulers are better positioned with historical knowledge of flood-prone areas and should be carried along in the planning and execution of mitigation projects.
According to him, no equipment has been seen in Akenpai-Epie except for radio announcements. He also faulted the manner of deployment, alleging that youths who accompany contractors do so mainly for pecuniary gains.
“If government wants to carry out thorough clearing and opening of canals and channels as a means to mitigate flooding, they should first come to the traditional rulers and consult them before deploying their bulldozers,” the monarch said.
He noted that while seasonal flooding has occurred in the area for decades, the extent for this year would depend on alerts from neighboring communities such as Mbiama and Agudama. “We are waiting to see if flood will come to Akenpai-Epie,” he added.
Our investigation revealed growing complaints from residents that contractors use swamp buggies and bulldozers that destroy matured crops including yam, potatoes, okra, plantain, banana, groundnut, pepper and guava, as well as fish traps, without compensation despite claims that the agency is adequately funded.
One of the affected persons, Mr. Ebi Ayero, a fisherman, said the exercise disrupts livelihoods.
“This canal is where I fish. Fishing is our traditional occupation. When flood approaches, some species of fish abound and with nets we make reasonable cash. But these equipment not only scare the fish, they destroy our fishing tools. Fumes and oil from tractors also pollute the streams,” he said.
Analysts say such grievances have led to altercations between contractors and community members in some areas, with contractors sometimes withdrawing and leaving canals uncleared.
Efforts to reach the Director-General of the Bayelsa State Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control Agency, Chief Omusu D. Omusu, for response were unsuccessful as at press time, as he said he was in a meeting at the time of filing this report.
Recall that Governor Douye Diri created the Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control Agency in 2023 and inaugurated it following the devastating 2022 flood across the state.
