The natives of Amorokeni Community in the Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have decried the prolonged neglect of the community and the absence of essential social amenities, describing the situation as a major setback to their development.
The community which is the highest producer of plantain, banana and fish in Bayelsa State has reportedly suffered many years of neglect due to perennial flooding which allegedly led to the death some children last year.
The immediate past clan president of the community, Mr Precious Okala, and immediate past youths president, Akiks Olali, who spoke officially on behalf of others, both expressed concern over the poor state of infrastructure in the area.
They noted that despite the community’s contributions to the growth of Bayelsa State, Amorokeni remains without a good road, making transportation difficult and limiting economic and social activities.
The immediate past clan president, who noted that the community is among the leading producers of plantain and other agricultural produce in the state, added that access to quality healthcare remains a challenge due to the absence of a functional health facility.
Both Okala and Olali explained that the situation has resulted in avoidable suffering and, in some cases, loss of lives, particularly during medical emergencies when residents are unable to access prompt medical attention.
Many residents who spoke to our correspondent also decried the lack of stable electricity supply, stressing that it has negatively affected businesses and the overall quality of life in the community.
They appealed to the Bayelsa State Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission and elected representatives at both the state and national levels to urgently intervene and address the community’s pressing needs.
The residents called for the construction of a standard road, provision of potable water, establishment of a well-equipped healthcare facility, and restoration of a stable electricity supply.
One of them, who did not identify herself said, “Politicians visit us during election campaign to tell us that they will solve our problems if elected into office. Years have come and gone we have not seen anything. We are the last community in Bayelsa State, we share boundary with Rivers State; when President Goodluck Jonathan was the governor, he established a demonstration farm in our community, but other administrations abandoned the farm.
“Secondly, because of the flood problem we have, we bury our dead between November and February; other months, you will meet a flooded community.”