The House of Representatives has directed The Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to look into the contract awarded by the Commission for the Opokuma Clean Erosion Protection in Kolokuma/Opokuma local government area of Bayelsa state, this was sequel to the adoption of a motion moved by HON Abonsizibe Oboku during plenary.
In the motion, Oboku observed that one of the mandates of the NDDC was to offer a lasting solution to the socio-economic difficulties of the Niger Delta region and to facilitate its rapid and sustainable development.
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Hon Oboku said that it is on this premise that the NDDC, in May 2004 awarded the contract of shoreline protection in Opokuma Kingdom to Jide Agboola of Dredging Atlantic Ltd to check the erosion menace, explaining that the Company is fond of abandoning projects.”
It was reported by the Guardian Newspaper on the 6th of October 2015, that the Company abandoned a similar project awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission in Aiyetoro Community in Ilaje Council Area of Ondo State, after collecting the mobilization fee of N2.5 Billion Naira out of the N6.5 billion contract.
“Almost twenty years after, this project stand abandoned, this has resulted into perennial erosion, affecting a clan comprising of ten communities.” The House Member said.
Hon Oboku also said that a community (AYAKOROAMA community) a substantial part of Orubiri Community had been washed away by erosion.
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“Saddened that this has led to the loss of lives and property, this could have been averted if the contractor and NDDC has lived up to the expectation of the aim and objectives of the said contract.” The Lawmaker said.
The committee is to report back to the House in four weeks for further legislative action.
