The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) has responded to an environmental crisis in Bille Kingdom, located in the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, by supplying critical humanitarian relief materials to local residents. This action comes as the area grapples with persistent gas seepage and methane emissions that have contaminated water sources and local wells, threatening the community’s health and livelihoods.
The initiative was spearheaded by the SSDC’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, and aims to alleviate the hardships faced by the residents due to the environmental challenges. A delegation led by Preye Aganaba, Executive Director of Social Services and Human Capital Development, emphasized the commission’s commitment to supporting Bille.
In her remarks, Akpabio highlighted Bille’s significance as an economic center in Rivers State and warned of the severe humanitarian and economic impacts resulting from the crisis. The SSDC has provided a variety of 86 food and non-food items including rice, beans, cooking oil, mattresses, and hygiene products, aligning this effort with directives from President Bola Tinubu to assist vulnerable communities across the region.
Additionally, the SSDC’s efforts aim to complement initiatives from the Rivers State Government and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Akpabio assured that the community will not be overlooked in future developmental plans.
Chief Bennett Okpoke, Chairman of the Bille Council of Chiefs, expressed gratitude for the SSDC’s intervention but urged government bodies to address the underlying causes of the pollution. He noted the significant adverse effects of the gas emissions on the community’s water supply and overall well-being.
Dr. Chidi Ogundu, NEMA’s Head of Operations for Bayelsa and Rivers States, acknowledged the SSDC’s rapid response and indicated that an Environmental Impact Assessment had confirmed serious detrimental effects on the community. Ogundu underscored the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to address the crisis, stating, “An injury to one is an injury to all.” He also revealed that efforts are underway to improve potable water access for residents, further reducing their health risks.
The relief materials delivered were formally handed over to community representatives as part of SSDC’s ongoing commitment to environmental resilience and the restoration of livelihoods in the region.
