The Member representing Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Nicholas Ebomo Mutu (OFR), has reaffirmed his commitment to finding a lasting solution to the devastating effects of coastal erosion ravaging Akugbene community in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State.
During a working visit to the community on Monday, May 19, Hon. Mutu addressed residents and members of the press following a recent landslide that further highlighted the urgent need for intervention.
He described the incident as one of many over the years, underscoring the community’s vulnerability to erosion.
Hon. Mutu revealed that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) had earlier awarded a contract for shore protection and reclamation works. However, progress was hindered by design flaws in the original engineering plans.
“The NDDC engineers assumed a flat riverbed, prescribing a uniform length for all support pillars without accounting for depth variations across the waterfront,” he explained.
Despite the setback, Hon. Mutu confirmed that significant progress has been made toward redesigning the project. He expressed optimism that the revised project will soon be reawarded, which will provide a permanent solution to the erosion menace.
In the interim, Hon. Mutu disclosed that he has personally funded the deployment of two dredgers to Akugbene to serve as a temporary measure.
He also facilitated NDDC’s award of contracts for sand-filling parts of the community to reclaim swampy lands and improve access to buildable areas.
“My long-term vision is to expand the community away from the vulnerable shoreline by investing in infrastructure like the ongoing Bomadi-Gbaregolor-Akugbene-Ezebiri road,” he said.
The visit was attended by several key stakeholders, including the Delta State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Kelly Penawou, who described erosion as a major threat to Akugbene residents.
He commended the community for their resilience and praised Hon. Mutu and Engineer Franklin Garry for their swift interventions.
Chairman of Bomadi LGA, Hon. Rawlilly Andaye, was also recognized for his efforts in monitoring the erosion site.
In a heartfelt remark, Prince Penawou stated, “The concerns and heartbeats of Akugbene people have shifted from daily survival to fears of being washed away by erosion.”
Both state and federal representatives pledged continued collaboration to bring lasting relief to the embattled community.
