Samuel Oyadongha
09 October 2012, Sweetcrude, Yenagoa, Bayelsa – Bayelsa State government has ordered the immediate and indefinite closure of all schools in the state due to the rising water levels across the state and the danger it poses to the citizenry.
Governor Seriake Dickson in a special government announcement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson said the decision was taken to safeguard the lives of children and to keep them away from possible dangers that could arise from the flood.
While pleading with parents and guardians to accept the decision the governor said it was taken in the interest of all Bayelsans.
“We want to assure you that, normal academic activities will resume as soon as the situation is brought under control,” Dickson said.
He reassured the people of the state of government’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of Bayelsans of all ages, especially at these trying times.
Meanwhile, most residents of Yenagoa the state capital are now racing against time as the surging flood is gradually advancing to the city centre.
Already, the flood has extended its fury to areas such as Azikoro, Akenpai, Akenfa, Igbogene, Ovom, and Agudama-Epie among others.
This reporter who went round the capital city sighted most residents evacuating their belongings to dry areas and uncompleted storey buildings.
Some others were constructing wooden platform in their homes to protect their belongings from the advancing flood.
Sadly, families many of whose homes are already filled with displaced relations from the riverside communities are now racing against time to see what they could salvage of their belonging from the invading flood.
The development has resulted in sharp increase in the prices of foodstuff with a rubber of garri, a popular staple food among residents now selling at N1300 as N300 before the deluge.
Other staple food such as rice, beans, cassava flour and semolina among others have all gone up.
