Director General of Coalition of Delta State Farmers. Mr Takim Loveday, has called for the intervention of the state government on the recent loss to fish farmers in the state.
Takim made the call while speaking with our reporter in Asaba.
He said the loss which was as a result of the heavy down pour led to the flood in the Anwai River which destroyed their fish ponds.
According to him, despite the effort of the governor in providing proactive measures by bringing the swamp buggies, about five cluster fish farms around the Anwai river were submerged by the flood.
While commending government for thier support thus far, they solicited for more help to enable them remain in business.
He said as a result of the disaster, many persons have taken advantage of their loss to scout for the fishes and sell to market women and passer-by.
Speaking, the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ejiro Jamani expressed sympathy with the affected fish farmers.
Jamani said it was unfortunate they were faced with such plight, despite the recent intervention of submerging the flood.
The Commissioner said since the commencement of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori -led administration which promised environmental stability, the governor had proactively deployed the swamp buggy to the river.
He said with the swamp buggy, the river had been opened to enable free flow of water, and the sand from the river was used to make a pond wall for them. However, the recent flood he said came from another area because where the water normally comes through is the Camp 74 river area.
According to him, prior to the flood some of the fish farmers had earlier commended the state government for coming to thier rescue when they were faced with the heavy force of water from Okpanam and other communities in Asaba channelling into the Anwai river.
Those who also spoke were the Chairman of Akpako Fish Farms, Sir Joseph Ngamana and the Chairman of Okowa Cluster Fish Farm, Mr Ernest Ogosi, appealing for government intervention so as to sustain thier fish farming business.
