Several days after coastal erosion wreaked havoc on Akugbene Community in Bomadi local government area of Delta State , the residents are now living in fear over resurgence of the ecological disaster.
Those affected by the landslide that swept many buildings, major jetty, fish ponds and canoes in Akugbene are now living in agony .
Chairman of Akugbene community Mr Cletus Edougha, appealed to the Delta State Government for relief materials for the locals adversely affected by the coastal erosion to alleviate their plights.
Mrs Suogha Gbawei, a widow, lamented the hardship they are now facing , and appealed to the relevant ministries and agencies of government to come to their rescue.
They said apart from being rendered homeless, their means of livelihood have been shattered .
Although, the member representing Bomadi–Patani Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Nicholas Mutu has rolled out remedial work to mitigate the adverse impact of the coastal erosion, residents called for a permanent solution to save the community from being submerged.
Mutu was said to have mobilized contractors with high-powered equipment to salvage the pitiable situation at Akugbene as part of contributions in combating the ecological challenge.
Chairman of Bomadi local government council Mr Dagidi Andaye, appealed to the Federal and Delta State Governments to provide lasting solutions to prevent the community from being swept away by persistent coastal erosion .
Mr. Andaye who was at the scene of the disaster for assessment of extent of the havoc, said construction of shore wall would save the Akugbene community from being washed away into the Focados river .
”Ninety per cent of the communities in Bomadi local government are in the riverine areas and have similar coastal erosion problems”.
”For now, the council will provide some palliatives to the affected residents and also build temporary structures for those displaced by the ravaging landslide to alleviate their sufferings”, stated Andaye
He called on the Federal and Delta State governments as well as interventionist agencies to partner the Bomadi Local Government Council in combating the ecological disaster.
While thanking God that no life was lost in the disaster, Andaye lauded the community youths for making frantic efforts to save the damaged Jetty areas from further destruction by the erosion.
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