In a decisive and ambitious move to change the narrative of water reticulation around Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, the Chairman, Dame Anengi Barasua has ordered the desilting of canals, drainages and other water channels in the area with immediate effect.

Dame Barasua gave this marching order on Thursday, December 2, 2021, when she led top officials of her administration on an inspection of areas that are causing blockage to water flow with a view to providing a lasting solution to them to ensure a hitch-free Yuletide season and beyond.

A statement by the Press Unit of the Bonny Local Government Council informed that in the Bonny LGA Chairman’s entourage were the Vice Chairman, Omoni Longjohn, Secretary to Bonny LG Council, Ralph Jamaica, and Director of Works, Clifford Godknows, amongst others.

Areas visited included the internal drainage network of the Bonny Ultra-Modern Market along King Asimini Bypass, Moore Jackson Street, Ukpo Avenue around the Government Lodge area, Macaulay Street junction, Cassetric Canal, and the Local Government Industrial Unit terrain.

Speaking after the inspection tour, the Bonny LG Chief Executive stated that her decision to amplify her administration’s drive to get rid of flooding on the Island was predicated on her commitment to create a conducive atmosphere for residents of the area to live happily and pursue their aspirations.

She observed that attachments by residents along drainage system and illegal structures around water routes were responsible for the perennial flooding during rainfall in Bonny, declaring that the government would leave no stone unturned in its bid to defeat flooding in the LGA.

This long awaited move stands to be applauded by residents given that the flooding debacle as witnessed in Bonny LGA has been a worrisome situation for residents and stakeholders over the years. 

One of them, a resident, who identified himself as Akpan Roberts, called the attention of the Bonny LG Chairman to the lack of drainage system along the Abalamabie Road, pointing out that this was responsible for the steady flooding of the road any time it rains.

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Some have called for the desilting and unclogging of canals, drainages and other water channels around the LGA as well as dredging of adjoining rivers, creeks and rivulets and shore protection for specific communities such as Aganya, Ayambo, Perekule Iwoama, Macaulay, Akiama, Oguede, and Abalamabie.

Additionally, the need to emplace culverts at strategic points along the NLNG Willbros Pipeline and Waterwell Roads to evacuate water beneath the road in has also been advanced. This is due to the topography of the area wherein water flows from the swampy areas down towards the road and enmeshes buildings in the southern axis of the roads.

Stakeholders are convinced that implementation of these would ensure that water flowing out of the internal drainage systems are effectively evacuated into the water bodies surrounding the island.