C'River NDDC Rep Delivers 30 Boats to Flood Affected Communities, Promises Quality Representation
By Missang AKPET
Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has delivered over thirty (30) pieces of Boats across the riverine communities in Cross River State.
Delivering the boats, the Commissioner representing Cross River State in the NDDC Board Otuekong Orok Duke, said it is intended to cushion the debilitating impact of severe floods that affected livelihoods, especially in the rural communities.
Addressing pressmen in Calabar, the state capital, the state Rep said the boats are part of relief materials earlier distributed to give respite to those displaced by floods in the state.
"These boots are part of the palliatives for flood victims that were supposed to be sent three years ago.
“They were not delivered, so I had to order for them and insisted on having the Cross River state quota sent, which they did.
“We are still awaiting the cassava processing machines which have not yet come. We got these boats for about four months now, so we just felt that it was necessary to let the beneficiaries have them, though they are not enough, we are still expecting more."
According to Duke, "although several communities were affected by the flood, the few available have been shared among beneficiaries particularly in the south.
"We just thought it wise to let those in the riverine areas down south here to have them. These include Esuk Atu, Obufa Esuk Orok, Idang, Anantigha/Jebbs, Esiere Ebom, Duke Town, Volvo Market, Lemna beach in Calabar municipality.
“We’ve also sent 10 to Adiabo and Odukpani to cover Adiabo and Ikot Offiong Beaches. This is just a token from NDDC, which are part of the Palliatives earlier distributed earlier in the year” he disclosed.
Responding to questions on whether or not Cross River state has had her fair share of projects and programs from the NDDC, Duke said it is still work in progress as Cross River will definitely, as since assuming office, he has ensured Cross River is not left behind in the scheme of things in the NDDC.
"For me, it is still work in progress. The damage that was done was so deep that we need to unravel a lot of other things so we cannot fathom out how much damage has been done to Cross River State over the years, it is still work in progress.
“Normally, when you want to get the data and figure people will resist. But I pray that we get through with this because, by November 26, we will be One year in office.
"God willing, we will be able to make it and then ask for our fair share of what is going on. We pray that by the time we finish with the new remedial measures we benefit as a result of our oil wells, we'll be able to improve our stands in the NDDC and get more from it" he concluded.
Recall that few months ago, the NDDC had distributed palliatives and other incentives meant for flood victims in Cross River state.
The palliatives according to Duke were supposed to be sent to the state 3 years ago, not until the present NDDC board was constituted that he facilitated their release to the state.
He maintained that the boats were part of those palliatives adding that there were still expecting deliveries and of more boats and cassava processing machines.
