The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says the Commission is set to commence the channelisation of Kolo Creek which connects Okarki-Otuogidi-Ogbia communities of Rivers and Bayelsa States.
This was disclosed by the NDDC Director of Community and Rural Development (CRD), Engr. Theophilus Allagoa, while speaking during a two-day needs assessment/town hall engagement with various leaders and youths at Emeyal II in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa state.
Seledi Thompson-Wakama, NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, quoted Allagoa to have said the project followed a recent passionate appeal made by HRM King Dumaro Charles Owaba, Obanobhan III of Ogbia Kingdom, to remove the blockages that could lead to havoc if not urgently addressed.
Allagoa, who was represented by the Deputy Director of CRD, Mrs. Ebi Morowei Ake, stressed that the interaction with the people was hinged on a needs assessment and expressed the commitment of the people to the success of the project.
“We, officials from Community and Rural Development of NDDC, are here today on the directives of the Managing Director to get the needs assessment and also feel the pulse of the people and then take back reports to the Commission,” he said.
In his remarks, HRM King Dumaro Charles Owaba, who was represented by Chief Augustine Naru Okpu, described the channelisation of the creeks from Kolo to Okarki by the NDDC as a great achievement of the present leadership of the Commission under Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.
According to him, the project will help to reduce the threat of cholera disease and other health challenges associated with water borne diseases, improve aquatic life, boost trade and other economic activities among the people of Nembe, Brass, Ogbia, Akassa among others.
Also speaking, the Traditional Head of Okarki, King Elijah Hari Adua from Ahoada West LGA, Rivers State, gave a thumbs-up to the NDDC leadership for taking the bold step to address the problem.
“We are delighted as a people and have come together to celebrate the Managing Director of NDDC for his decision to come to our aid by initiating the clearing of the blockages in the various creeks and linking them to pave way for free flow of water that will definitely boost our economic activities,” the king said.
