NDDC To Fast-Track Intervention On Erosion-Ravaged Road In Rivers State

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has vowed to intervene urgently to resuscitate the erosion-damaged Akinima-Joinkarama Road linking several communities in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria’s south-south.

Speaking at the erosion site, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, empathized with the people of Akinima and Joinkarama communities, as well as commuters using the road, for the pains they were going through.

Ogbuku, who was accompanied by the Executive Director of Projects, Mr Charles Ogunmola and other Directors of the Commission, assured that remediation work at the erosion site would commence immediately.

He observed that the damage on the road was enormous and would require short and long-term solutions.

Ogbuku said that it was important for him and the team of engineers to visit the site to have first-hand information for proper assessment and appropriate response.

He noted that to ensure a long-term solution, the commission will provide shore protection for the road and the communities.

Akinima Youth Laeder, Winner Ake, lamented that the Orashi River, which passes through the area, contributed to the gully erosion. He noted that the road has been taken over by criminals to harass and attack the road users that and appealed to development agencies to come to their rescue.

A resident of Akinima, Mr. Newton Odum bemoaned the level of environmental degradation, poverty and neglect in the area, despite playing host to many oil wells.