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Road construction blocks vital waterways of Taylor Creek

The construction hasn't taken into account those that do use motor vehicles for their day to day travel and transport needs

Environmental Rights Action / Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) have expressed concern that the bridge constructed across Taylor Creek in Bayelsa State is having a detrimental impact on the surrounding communities by silting up this once wide and free-flowing waterway.

Unregulated and ill-planned construction has been blamed for the obstruction of waterways across the Niger Delta. These creeks are vital for Niger Delta communities as they are arteries of transport, sources of water for washing and cleaning and are necessary for fishing and farming, the dominant livelihoods of the communities.

Siltation occurs when the water flowing through an area is contaminated by an accumulation of sediments. As a consequence of siltation, Taylor Creek has become shallower and narrower, making it almost impassable for the larger canoes that are a main form of transport for many people.

The bridge is part of a wider project to expand the East-West road into a dual carriageway, and is designed to address the problem of increasing traffic congestion but unfortunately it hasn't taken into account those that do use motor vehicles for their day to day travel and transport needs.

The Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs awarded the project to SETRACO Nigeria Limited in spring 2009 but their construction methods have had a negative impact on the environment and the communities living along the Taylor Creek including Biseni, Joinkrama, Okordia and Gbaran.

ERA /FoEN are calling on SETRACO to address the consequences of their construction, by deepening and reopening sections of the creek that have been blocked off. This is imperative now, as SETRACO are likely to continue using these bridge construction methods and thus adversely affect further Delta communities as the East-West road is developed.

It is notable that government authorities have not monitored and regulated these companies – ERA / FoEN call on the Yenagoa Local Government and the Bayelsa State Government to ensure SETRACO repairs the damage to Taylor Creek.

The creeks are an integral part of life in the Niger Delta and these communities are calling upon the authorities and companies to act responsibly and correct the errors they have made.