Flood: Bayelsa Govt frowns at community leader’s meddling in relief materials distribution

Bayelsa State Government has charged community leaders in the state to stop interfering with the distribution of relief materials meant for designated IDP camps located in their communities.

The state Commissioner for Environment and Chairman of the state Flood Management and Mitigation Taskforce Hon Iselema Gbaranbiri gave the charge in Yenagoa, in continuation of the distribution of relief materials to internally displaced persons in the state.

He said relief materials delivered at the IDP camps are to be managed by authorised persons coordinating such camps or clusters and not community heads, Council of Chiefs or CDC Chairmen.

The Commissioner said the directive becomes necessary because of reports of interference by community leaders with the distribution of items meant for IDPs which has left the IDPs with little or nothing.

Hon. Gbaranbiri said the taskforce had earlier destributed relief materials through its sub-committees to various local governments impacted by the flood according to constituencies and wards adding that arrangements have been made to send another batch of relief materials to all local governments affected by the Flood.

He reiterated governments readiness to deal with the impact of the flood and urged residents of the state to be patient with the administration.

The taskforce, according to the Commissioner is also reaching out to communities with potable water, mosquito nets and medical services adding that the process will be a continuous one.

Meanwhile, in continuation of the distribution of relief materials to designated clusters and IDP camps in the state, the taskforce on Monday visited the Igbogene IDP camps 1 and 2, Winners’ Chapel Akenpai, Agboli Layout Etegwe, and Community Primary School Okutukutu.

Earlier, materials comprising bags of rice, beans, gari, noddles, palm oil, and onion were also delivered to Future Leaders Obele, Obele Phase 2;and 3 as well as Students Union representatives of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua.

Tife Owolabi
Journalist
Niger Delta
@tifeowolabi