…Community Appeals to NDDC for Prompt Implementation of Rock Piling Project

By Chancel Bomadi Sunday

BOMADI — Dredging work on the erosion-ravaged waterfront of Akugbene community in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State—an interim intervention initiated by Hon. Nicholas Ebomo Mutu, the lawmaker representing Patani/Bomadi Federal Constituency—is yielding significant results. The development has sparked mixed reactions from community members, balancing hope with lingering concerns.

While many residents expressed optimism due to visible progress on the palliative dredging, others raised fears over future erosion risks, particularly if the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) delays the implementation of the permanent rock piling project designed to stabilize the embankment.

Chairman of Akpanaka-ebodo Quarters, Mr. John Tidi FearGod, commended Hon. Mutu for his swift and proactive response to the crisis. Speaking to reporters, he urged the NDDC to expedite the mobilization of the contractor to the site to begin the long-term solution.

“We are pleased with the progress of the ongoing sand dredging from across the river to our waterfront. The very spot that swallowed our massive landing jetty is now filled with sand up to surface level,” Tidi said.

“We appreciate Hon. Nicholas Ebomo Mutu for this timely intervention, which has brought us hope. Our prayer is that sufficient sand will be dredged before the peak of the annual flooding season.”

“We appeal to the NDDC to quickly deploy the contractor and commence the proposed rock piling project, which we believe will serve as a lasting solution to this erosion menace.”

Mr. Eke Meshach, one of the dredger operators on site, also briefed reporters. He confirmed that the most technically difficult part of the dredging operation—filling the deep erosion site—has been completed.

“We’ve made substantial progress. The worst part of the job—bringing the depth back to surface level—has been tackled. In the coming weeks, you’ll see even more promising results,” Meshach stated.

During a recent visit to the community, Hon. Mutu reassured residents of the NDDC’s commitment to executing the redesigned rock piling project. He also called on constituents to continue supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC-led federal administration.