TheCable

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says the agency is working on a comprehensive intervention programme to cushion the effect of flooding.

Ibitoye Abosede, NDDC’s corporate affairs director, said this in a statement on Thursday. 

The Niger Delta states — Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers — are among those affected by flooding in the country.

TheCable had reported that the flooding in communities across the country resulted in the displacement of millions of people, while over 600 deaths were recorded.

According to the statement, the commission said it has commenced the reconstruction of the East-West road in Bayelsa, while essential materials have been packaged for distribution to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in affected communities.

“On October 27, 2022, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Obong Umana Okon Umana, accompanied by the Acting Managing Director of the NDDC, Engr. Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua visited one of the devastated areas at Ihuike Community in Ahoada East Local Government Area, Rivers State where he promised that there will be a comprehensive intervention to ameliorate their sufferings,” the statement reads. 

“The repair of the East-West road is ongoing and relief materials, including food items and essential materials, have been packaged for distribution to the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in affected communities in the region.

“The NDDC is well aware of its responsibility as an interventionist agency to provide palliatives to those affected by this unfortunate disaster.

“We are working assiduously with the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to provide food items, essential drugs and infrastructural assistance to impacted communities.

“We have since commenced the distribution of essential drugs to the affected areas through the state governments. Last week, we handed over essential drugs to the Imo State Government as we prepare to reach the other affected states.

“Reaching all the affected communities is challenging, but it is a task that the NDDC must accomplish. The NDDC was created for challenges such as this and we are not relenting in our efforts to ameliorate the sufferings of our people.

“We have not shirked our responsibility as an interventionist agency to cater to the needs of thousands of persons displaced by the flood, and the families of those who have lost their loved ones. 

“We appeal to stakeholders to show some understanding, as what may appear to be a delay in taking action was necessitated by logistics challenges.”