Expert Makes Case For Riverine Communities In Delta State

A Delta State born Peace Ambassador, Comrade Sheriff Mulade has called on the state Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and the Delta State House of Assembly to urgently establish Coastal Area Development Agency (CADA) to fast track development and give a sense of belonging to coastal communities in the region.

Speaking with journalists in Warri ,Mulade said  Delta coastal communities are the engine room of Delta State and Nigeria’s revenue earnings despite the sorrowful state of development due to age-long neglect.

The requested,he said would further  enhance the development of Riverine communities in Delta State.

“The coastal communities are the live wires and resource base of the State as billions of naira generated from the riverine environment are channelled to develop other areas especially the hinterland.

According to him, “lf CADA is created, it will present a developmental blueprint and practicable framework for restoring industry, infrastructure, trade and investment to the oil producing coastal communities of the State.

“It is worthy of note that over 90 per cent of the state revenue from oil and gas sectors emanate from the Riverine Communities, therefore they deserve special Development attention to address infrastructural societal challenges in the area.

Mulade alleged that the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), which was set up to address developmental challenges and neglect of the oil producing area, has drifted off its purpose, while it is now serving as a source of political compensation for politicians who hold public offices in the State.

Speaking further, he congratulated Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and the 8th Assembly in anticipation of their heeding to the profound request for the establishment of the Coastal Communities Development Agency.

He noted : “Governor Ifeayi Okowa’s administration creating the much desired CADA will remain novel and would be considered as a hall mark achievement.

He further explained that the House of Assembly berthing on the dreamt CADA and facilitating its quick passage as a bill would trigger growth and this noble gesture will help write their names in gold in the heart of Deltans, particularly coastal communities.

He stressed the need for the creation of a special agency that would address the developmental deficits in the coastal area of the State.