A former Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Bayelsa State, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, has urged the governor of the state, Douye Diri, to increase the flood relief funds allocated to communities affected by the disaster in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.
Iworiso-Markson said the funds were grossly inadequate to cater for the feeding, medical support, and general welfare of victims of the flood, particularly those around the Ayama axis like Otuokpoti community and other riverine communities
The former commissioner, in a statement issued and made available to The Star on Wednesday, said by the sharing formula, most households cannot sustain themselves with the funds beyond a day or two, insisting that more money should be made available to the victims.
The candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for Ogbia Federal Constituency in the 2023 general election, stated that it would be justifiable if the governor approach the Bayelsa State House of Assembly to request special funds to be spent on the flood issue, especially the welfare of the victims.
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Iworiso-Markson further expressed worry over the looming health crisis that may be caused by waterborne and other communicable diseases, which he said may result in the outbreak of an epidemic in the state.
The former commissioner, who hailed the efforts of the state government in the current situation, urged the Federal Government to consider Bayelsa State as a special case and step in to compliment the efforts of Diri’s administration to cushion the effect of the ravaging flood disaster.
He equally called on other agencies of the Federal Government, multinational companies operating in the state, privileged individuals, and organisations to see the current issue as a great humanitarian crisis and show support.
He said: “No one is in doubt about the kind of crisis we have now as a result of the flood. This is the time the governor needs to approach the state house of assembly and ask for their permission to raise and spend more money on the victims.
“This has become inevitable because the affected communities need more money and I urge the governor to step up the flood relief funds because the one released recently is grossly inadequate. It is barely enough to sustain a family for more than two days and our people are suffering. They are devastated.
“The government should also focus on the health needs of the people. I am afraid that the flood may lead to serious health crisis and this can be avoided if tackled now. I am also appealing to donor agencies, the Federal Government and individuals who have the capacity to compliment the efforts of the state government,” Iworiso-Markson stated.
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