The Rivers State Government has announced immediate relief for residents affected by severe flooding in parts of Port Harcourt, while promising measures to address the underlying causes of the disaster.
The Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Professor Ngozi Odu, made this known during an inspection of flood-affected communities on the directive of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Odu said the State Flood Management and Control Committee had been directed to assess the affected areas and recommend lasting solutions, particularly in communities where drainage channels and waterways had been obstructed or improperly redirected.
At Lord Emmanuel Close, the committee observed what Odu described as attempts to reclaim portions of an existing canal.
“We found that some people are trying to reclaim part of the canal. They have already marked it out and are pushing a road towards the canal. If that is allowed to continue, the consequences will be devastating,” she said.
At Jerusalem Estate, residents told the committee that water had been wrongly diverted through an improperly channelled drainage system, resulting in widespread flooding.
According to Engr. Obinna Okoro, a resident of the estate, more than 1,000 buildings had been submerged.
Okoro attributed the flooding to ongoing construction activities, particularly the De-Las-Vegas project, and commended Governor Fubara for what he described as a swift response to the crisis.
“We believe the Governor will walk the talk as discussed. We sincerely appreciate his intervention and wish him well,” he said.
Odu said the government would immediately provide palliatives to affected residents while engaging the Ministry of Works, community leaders and residents on corrective measures.
She added that the committee would also meet with traditional rulers and compile the names of affected families for further government assistance.
In Rukpoku, the Deputy Governor similarly distributed palliatives to affected residents at the palace of the Paramount Ruler, His Royal Highness, Eze Collins Ogwu III.
She said Governor Fubara, who recently returned to the country, was concerned about the devastation caused by the flooding and had directed the government to intensify its intervention.
Odu assured residents that additional assistance would be provided on Friday, stressing that the government’s response would go beyond the distribution of relief materials.
She said the Ministries of Environment and Works would investigate the causes of the flooding in Rukpoku and other affected communities and work towards permanent solutions.
The Deputy Governor identified blocked drains and construction activities on waterways as some of the factors contributing to the recurring flooding, urging residents to keep drainage channels and waterways free of obstructions.
Responding on behalf of the Paramount Ruler, Chief Frank Nwachukwu thanked Governor Fubara for his intervention and support for the Rukpoku community.
