Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, has seen the return of makeshift wooden bridges, locally known as Monkey Bridges, as residents grapple with widespread flooding due to heavy rains. Despite being home to the country’s longest coastline, the city suffers from inadequate drainage systems, exacerbating the plight of its inhabitants.
In areas lacking concrete road construction, residents are pooling resources to build these temporary bridges to navigate the swampy terrain and reach their homes. Neighborhoods like Akenfa, Etewge, Okutuku, Edepie, Yenizue-Gene, Ekeki, Boigbolo, Ovom, Azikoro, Amarata, and Kpansia are among the worst affected.
The city’s canals, which could naturally drain excess rainwater, are clogged with household waste, leading to severe flooding. Many homes are submerged, forcing residents to abandon their cars far from their homes, where they risk theft.
Residents blame the government for the flooding. Eddy from Biogbolo remarked, “Before now, when it rained, the water drained away, but since the roads were constructed, things have changed because the non-provision of culverts at road intercessions has left the water trapped.” Another resident criticized the government’s failure to address the improper environmental practices of land developers and residents, leading to blocked water channels.
Ebiowei Tari from Edepie highlighted the lack of resources to properly sand-fill their low-lying area, while Mrs. Perere Ebikabowei lamented the recurring issue, saying, “We are always at the receiving end every rainy season. We have no choice but to construct a monkey bridge to access our homes.”
In response, the State Physical Planning and Development Board, led by Chairman Kuroakegha Dorgu, has pledged to improve and upgrade settlements in Yenagoa. Dorgu, during an on-site assessment, expressed the board’s commitment to achieving well-planned residential neighborhoods in line with the governor’s aspirations.
