A former Chairman of Brass Local Government Council in Bayelsa State, Hon (Dr) Bello Bina has lamented the rising sea level and sea surge in coastal communities in Brass Local Government Area, including Sangana, Okpoama, Odioma, Twon-Brass, and others.
Bina raised the alarm that the coastal communities are on the verge of being wiped out by erosion caused by the sea surge.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday, the ex-Brass council boss who is an indigene of Sangana particularly lamented what he described as a complete neglect of the community.
He said it is unfair that despite being host to many oil multinational firms, Sangana has been left to be submerged by coastal erosion.
“It is like we are not part of Nigeria. Communities in Brass LGA particularly Sangana have been facing the threat of extinction, because of the erosion being caused by the rising sea level.
“We are host to Agbami field, Chevron field, First E&P field, Conoil field, Ayala field, Shell field, Bonga field, NEPL department of NNPC, Madu field and Atala field. Yet no help is on the horizon, leaving our people helpless and displaced.
“Sangana is the only village we have and it pains me so much that my precious community is being washed away by the eroding ocean,” he lamented.
He further expressed that “If the federal government could be developing non-oil producing communities in other parts of the country, then Sangana and other coastal communities that generate oil revenue should not be allowed to suffer this way.”
He called on concerted efforts between government at all levels and multinational oil companies to solve the problem of erosion ravaging the communities and in the meantime also provide relief materials to displaced persons.
Bina who is also the Chairman/CEO of a business conglomerate, Be-Multi World Plus Limited, called on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to commence piling projects to protect the shorelines of the communities.
“I am speaking to the conscience of relevant persons in authority including management of the NDDC led by our brother, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, to help our people.
“Already there is unprecedented economic hardship in the country, our people are suffering and they need help immediately,” the statement added.
