In response to the incidence of flood displacement, Delta State Government has set up temporary camps for intending Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who were victims of flood.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mordi Onoye and Chairman of the Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Isioma Okobah, who visited the camp located at the Ogbe Afor Primary School in Oshimili South Local Government Area of the state, disclosed that the state government has made provisions for medical aids, welfare packages, security and other relief materials for the IDPs.
The team led by the Health Commissioner, further proceeded to the Power line settlement, Oko beside the river Niger, where the IDPs were taking refuge and persuaded the IDPs to move to the camp where they would be adequately catered for by the state government.
Dr. Onoye said government was very passionate about the security and health of the IDPs enjoining the IDPs to take advantage of the opportunity. For her part, the chairman of the Primary Health Care Development Agency (DSPHCDA), Dr. Okobah, urged the IDPs who were seemingly reluctant to accept the government’s advice to relocate to the camp.
Dr Okobah said Governor Okowa was so passionate about their health and welfare disclosing that a health post would be set up at their base for those unwilling to relocate in order to immunize them against preventable diseases.
“Your exposure and long stay in water may result in health challenges and catastrophe. You must have had experiences and suffered in the past but I want to assure you that our present governor Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa will not abandon you in this.”
“He has sent us here to identify with you in your present predicament because he is so passionate about your welfare and the welfare of all Deltans. “Please we advise you to move to the camp so that we can easily reach you for emergency medical care, nutrition services, among other benefits and welfare packages which you will enjoy in the camp.
“But for those of you who may not want to relocate to the camp, we shall set up a Health Post for you here for vaccines and other health care services and immunization against preventable diseases”. Okobah stated. Some of the IDPs who were interviewed, expressed joy and readiness to move to the camp appreciating the state government for the relief, while others who had been displaced for a long time, expressed unwillingness to relocate to the designated IDP camp.
They hinged their unwillingness on fear of abandonment, inadequate welfare and inability to continue commercial activities at the camp if they eventually relocate. Speaking with newsmen, the Chairman of the Oshimili South Local Govt Area, Hon. Uche Osadebe remarked that the Delta state government had set up the 500 capacity camp to cater for the IDPs.
He also assured the IDPs that their commercial activities would be taken care of including security and other welfare packages.
