Water hyacints take over Delta communities waterways

People living in riverine communities of Delta State are at the verge of being cut off from civilisation as water hyacinths have reportedly taken over their waterways.

Nigerian Tribune gathered, that communities such as Isaba, Gbekebor, Obotebe, Ayakoromo, Oyangbene, Eseimogbene, Akparemogbene and Egolegbene, among other communities along the Forcados river and its estuaries in Burutu, Bomadi and Warri South West local government areas can no longer access Warri due to the weeds.

As a result, fishing, boat transportation and other commercial activities, which had kept Ijaw young people away from engaging in vices and criminal activities, are at the verge of collapse, it was gathered.

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The water weeds are said to have completely blocked River Kototo near Warri. The river is the only access route linking River Forcados to Warri where people move their goods and services to and from Warri.

It was further gathered that even fast boats now spend two to three hours at the barricaded spot in the river.

Nigerian Tribune was further informed that some locally-made wooden transport boats now spend about three to four days in the river with no hope of escaping the hyacinths.

National president of Foundation for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Crusaders (FOHURAC), Alaowei Cleric, in reaction to the situation, said people from the communities have been cut off from civilisation and are facing hardships.

Its’ intervention agencies to swiftly intervene to clear the paths and provide relief materials to the locals.

“We call on DESOPADEC, MENA and SEMA to immediately swing into action in order to save the situation. We have no doubt that the affected communities may face with the danger of humanitarian crisis as they cannot come to Warri to exchange goods and services,” cleric pleaded.

He also called on the Delta State government and representatives in the various governments’ departments from the affected communities as well as the Burutu and Warri South West Local Governments Areas to visit the river in order to proffer immediate solution.