Bayelsa under Siege: Communities Battle Menace of Invasive Water Hyacinths

Communities in Bayelsa have expressed grave concerns over the proliferation of water hyacinths in the area, citing the negative impact on their daily lives.

The invasive plants are reportedly making it difficult for people and goods to move freely along the waterways.

Some of the affected communities include Azagbene, Clough Creek, Ngoloba, Egbemo-Angalabiri, Kolotoru, Tububoboama, Opukushu, Azatitor, Agbibiama, Derifamoama, Tububou, Koromotoru, Gbaraun, and Ukparatubu I and II.

In a letter dated February 13, 2023, addressed to the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, and copied to the Officer in Charge of the Marine Police Department of the Bayelsa State Police Command, the communities urged swift action to be taken to tackle the issue.

The letter, which was signed by the Chairmen of the Community Development Committees, highlighted the potential negative impact of the water hyacinths, including the possibility of hindering electoral officers and materials from arriving on time for the 2023 general elections.

The communities have called on the NDDC to intervene and remove the water hyacinths, citing their previous experience of a similar situation that was resolved by the indigenous seismic firm, Optimum Star Services Ltd.

The residents hope that swift action can be taken to resolve the issue and ease the movement of people and goods in the area.

The letter read in part, “The water hyacinths barricades had caused a lot of worries to both residents and travellers in the waterways which comprises the creeks, rivers and swamps, which are the only travelling routes in the maritime or littoral areas of ours.

“If an urgent step is not taken to solve an emergency situation of the waterways clearing, the INEC materials for the forthcoming elections will not get to the polling booths for voters to commence voting on time, which may likely derail the process , hence this plea.

“We, therefore, in the light of the foregoing, respectfully recommend the aforementioned seismic company and trained indigenous contractor, Optimum Star Services Ltd, an expert in water hyacinths and other snags clearing, for your commission to quickly contract to clear the waterways within a short while to allow the waterways free for easy movement of people, goods and services