Bille Residents in Rivers State Cry Their Water Is Under Threat. Who Will Act?

Residents of Bille Kingdom in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State have called on the Federal and Rivers State governments to address ongoing gas seepage and methane emissions that threaten local water supplies, health, and livelihoods.

The appeal was made during the distribution of relief materials to the community by the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), following reports of underground water, river, and well contamination.

Speaking on behalf of the Bille Council of Chiefs, Chairman Chief Bennett Okpoke urged environmental regulatory agencies to move beyond temporary relief measures and establish a permanent solution to the gas leaks.

"Residents have endured this environmental crisis for a considerable period, with serious consequences for their daily activities," Okpoke said. "While the relief materials are appreciated, the community requires urgent technical intervention to halt the threat."

An Environmental Impact Assessment conducted by NEMA confirmed significant adverse environmental and health risks across the community.

NEMA Head for Bayelsa and Rivers States, Dr. Chidi Ogundu, stated that the agency's technical team has begun work to address the contamination of local drinking water sources.

The SSDC delivered 86 categories of food and non-food relief items to the community.

Representing SSDC Managing Director Ms. Usoro Akpabio, Executive Director of Social Services Preye Aganaba stated that the intervention forms part of a broader federal mandate to support vulnerable communities affected by environmental emergencies.

The relief materials were formally received by representatives of the Amanyanabo of Bille Kingdom, King Igbikingeri Ngowari Cornelius Herbert, Agbaniye-Jike XVIII.