IYC sends SOS to NDDC over blocked waterways in N/Delta

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has sent a Save-our-Souls (SOS) to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on the blockade of riverine waterways by water hyacinths in Niger Delta communities.
A statement signed by the general president of IYC, Pereotubo Oweilaemi, said over 70 communities in Egbema kingdom and environs both in Delta and Edo states have been suffering from the scourge.
“The riverine communities in the Niger Delta have been suffering from the perennial problem of blockade of the waterways by water hyacinth.
“Many of the communities are usually trapped in the riverine areas during this season. If not the interventions of government agencies, there would have been a big problem.
“Currently, over 70 communities in Egbema kingdom and environs both in Delta and Edo states have been suffering from this scourge.
“Water weeds have taken over the entire creeks in the Benin River and its estuaries thereby making life miserable for the inhabitants.
“As we speak, communities such as: Ofunama, Opuama, Polobubou, Ogbodugbudo, Ogboinbiri and others in Egbema kingdom are being trapped by the water hyacinth which has locked up the entire creeks.
“People cannot go about their lawful businesses as movements in and out of the affected communities are restricted.
“All access roots to the communities, including the Sapele axis have been taken over by the floating weeds,” Oweilaemi lamented.
IYC called on NDDC to swiftly respond to the plight of the communities, especially the Egbema kingdom and other affected Niger Delta communities as regards clearance of the water weeds.