NDDC not doing enough to develop the Niger Delta region- Onogba 

By Spence Friday ldighri,

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has been called upon to embark on major strategic projects that will impact meaningfully on the people of the region instead of the seasonal supplies of chairs and few hospital equipments to schools and hospitals.

Delta state Commissioner for Environment, Mr Christian Onogba stated this while reacting to question on why government has found it difficult to provide permanent solutions to the yearly flooding disaster and its victims in an interview with the Advocate in Asaba.

He explained that major and impactful projects such as dredging of the River Niger and provision of shore protection, construction of major roads/bridges and building/equipping of hospitals/schools will go a long way in ameliorating the sufferings of the people of the region.

The Commissioner who said it is practically impossible for the state government to relocate all victims of flood-prone areas by building houses for them in upland areas of the state said this is one area the Niger Delta interventionist agency can come to the aid of government by way of dredging the River Niger and construction of shore protection.

This according to him will go a long in curtailing the yearly flood disaster in the region.

On why there were no camps for displaced victims this year; Mr Onogba said “setting up camps would certainly turn out to be breeding grounds for COVID19 pandemic taking cognisance of the fact that people will be sheltered in the various camps’.

He instead said the government is rather focusing on aggressive advocacy and sensitization to reduce the effect of flooding on victims.

The Environment Commissioner who also disclosed that the Ministry is embarking on massive forest regeneration urged all Deltans and residents alike to plant at least five trees in a lifetime.