The Rivers government has announced a donation of ₦100 million to support the Bille community in Degema LGA, affected by gas emission, for interim relief measures.

The secretary to the state government, Dagogo Wokoma, made the remark when he represented Governor Siminalayi Fubara on a visit to the community on Wednesday to assess the reported gas emission. He explained that the intervention was part of the interim relief measures to address the environmental situation affecting the community.

He added that the state government would provide potable water and essential medical services to residents as immediate palliative support.

Mr Wokoma said that the government would continue to make efforts to find a lasting solution to the gas emissions observed in the community since November.

‘’The governor remains deeply concerned about the health and well-being of the people of Bille Kingdom. Although he was unable to attend in person due to pressing state engagements, he is fully aware of the situation and determined to tackle the root cause of the environmental challenge,” Mr Wokoma  said.

Mr Wokoma added that the state government would not relent in its efforts to ensure a permanent solution to the problem, noting that the current intervention is only to ease the suffering of the people.

He urged the community’s residents to remain law-abiding and continue supporting the administration,, as the governor had consistently demonstrated a track record of fulfilling his promises.

The chairman of the Council of Chiefs of Bille Kingdom, Bennet Dokubo, commended the Rivers government for the visit and described the governor as ‘’a leader who listens to the plight of the people”.

Mr Dokubo urged the government to urgently address the gas emissions, which he described as dangerous to human health.

“If we take you into the river, you will see that the entire environment is bubbling and smelling. This is something strange we have never experienced before. It is not good for human health,” he said.

He urged the governor to carefully review the situation.

(NAN)