Lawmaker representing Ondo South Senatorial District, Senator Nicholas Tofowomo has urged the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Ondo State Government to rescue Aiyetoro community from ocean surge.
He also stressed the need for relevant government agencies to
respond and assist victims in the community
Towofomo also advised the government to develop a master plan that includes building of ocean barriers to control flooding and ocean surge in the region.
The lawmaker drew the attention
of the Senate to the need to rescue Ayetoro community at the floor of the house.
Tofowomo in a motion considered on the floor, informed his colleagues that Ayetoro which was known as Ayetoro floating city in the 1970s suffered a severe ocean current disaster which depleted the community, destroyed 308 houses and rendered many homeless.
According to the Senator, "Ayetoro which is part of the Niger Delta Region is yer to receive any support from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC); and the Ondo State Oil Producing and Development Corporation (OSOPADEC) which overseas the Oil producing part of Ondo State."
"Regrets also that crude oil exploration companies which operate around the region with its offices at Ilaje Local Government has not fared better
"Concerned that Ayetoro floating city's major occupation is fishing, hence most of the residents have suffered losses of their fishing tools and this has rendered most of them helpless and jobless," the lawmaker added.
He urged the Nigerian Maritime, Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to visit Ayetoro to ascertain the level of destruction in the community.
This, he said should be done with a view to proffer solution to prevent future occurrence; called on Oil Producing Companies to assist the community in rebuilding some of the infrastructure destroyed by the surge.
