KEY POINTS

• Flooding: Bayelsa delays schools reopening to Nov. 25.
• Water levels are receding very slowly and residents fear more delays.
• All resumption is subject to government mandated fumigation and safety protocols being met.

Meanwhile, coerced by severe flooding that forced people out of their houses, primary and secondary schools in Bayelsa State will remain closed for another week.

The flood break, which had been due to end on November 12, was extended by the state government through the Ministry of Education to November 25 to give water levels time to recede.

Resumption plans halted by flooding

Floodwaters have kept the rivers stagnant across several areas in the riverine state initially planned to resume on November 18 but schools now face uncertainty.

In a circular, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Simon Peter Okene, announced the move, saying schools were only being reopened after proper safety measures have been put in place.

Okene said the current flood situation observed in a substantial number of school premises across the state gave rise to the extension.

But residents say that even the new resumption date is likely to be pushed further back if the flooding continues.

Safety Protocols Ordered by Government

The Ministry of Education has ordered all schools including private institutions to use the state’s approved school calendar. And also make sure that their premises are safe for students,

However, Okene said stakeholders must also ensure that all school safety regulations such as grass cutting and fumigation of premises are carried out.

Also, the government expressed its empathy to affected families while recognizing the effects of the disaster.

Late flood surge devastates communities

Flooding has displaced thousands, taking a toll on communities along the banks of major rivers like River Niger, River Forcados, River Nun and Orashi River.

Some of the most affected areas include Biseni Kingdom, Epie Kingdom, Yenagoa; Adagbabiri in Sagbama council area, and Sampou in Kolokuma-Opokuma council area, where many residents have taken shelter on bridges and oil facilities.

But the government is also hopeful that water will recede in time for schools to restart safely.