Flooding: Bayelsa shuts schools 2nd time in 2020

By BASSEY WILLIE, Yenagoa

Bayelsa state government has ordered schools closed for a second time this year after devastation cause by flooding in the state.

Bayelsa which had resumed schools on October 2020 after a long vacation due to the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic, was again forced to order for another closure after two pupils were said to have drowned in the flooded water in Azikoro axis of Yenagoa, the state capital last week.

Governor Douye Diri, announced the closure of primary and secondary schools across the state after inspecting some flooded communities in Amassoma in Southern Ijaw and Yenagoa local government areas of the state over the weekend.

The governor’s spokesman, Daniel Alabrah, in a statement in Sunday, said the directive takes effect from Monday, October 19, adding that the decision was taken to avert further danger to lives.

Several school buildings have already been submerged by the ravaging flood which have forced several people out of their houses.

The governor, who also visited other affected local governments on Sunday, lamented the devastating effect of the flooding on the people and communities, noting that his administration would not abandon them at this time of need.

“Due to the devastating effect of the flooding that I have seen, I hereby direct the Commissioner for Education to immediately shut down all secondary and primary schools pending when the floods would abate. We do not want to lose lives and we do not want reptiles to cause injuries to our wards,” the governor said.

“Painfully, we have to take this decision because the schools were just resuming from COVID-19 closure and here we have another natural challenge arising from flooding.

“I will continue with this visit to empathise and sympathise with our brothers and sisters. Let me assure all of them that as a state we are with them.”

“We also appeal to Mr. President to immediately come to our aid, particularly with respect to the ecological fund and all other funds available to ensure that our people are not neglected.

“I have directed the Vice Chancellor of the Niger Delta University to immediately explore and ensure that a department is created for erosion control in the institution,” he said. (Daily Trust)