Severe flooding has hit several communities in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas of Rivers State, displacing residents, disrupting economic activities, and forcing some businesses to relocate. The affected areas include Nkpolu-Rumuigbo community in Obio/Akpor, where floodwaters have disrupted movement, damaged infrastructure, and forced residents and businesses to seek alternative locations. The flooding has also prompted the Rivers State House of Assembly to suspend other legislative activities to focus on the crisis.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has directed lawmakers to inspect flood-hit areas in their respective constituencies and provide assistance where possible. The Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Somiari-Stewart, moved a motion of urgent public importance, calling for urgent measures to address the impact of the floods, which had destroyed homes and means of livelihood. The Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, expressed sympathy with affected residents and directed lawmakers to take action.
The Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman, Echene Daddy, lamented what he described as years of government neglect, saying residents had been left to cope with the worsening situation. He attributed the flooding partly to the poor condition of roads and drainage infrastructure, saying the Obi-Wali Road through Tuscany, Stoke City, and Eckankar areas had become impassable. Several residents displaced by the flood had sought refuge in his office and the community town hall.
The flooding has taken a toll on businesses and companies operating in the area, with some forced to relocate. According to Daddy, a company has relocated and is looking for a new location in the East due to the flood. The flooding has also impacted public education, with government-owned primary and secondary schools in the community affected. The secondary school Apara has been flooded and abandoned, while students are learning under the rain at the primary school.
The Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, said the Assembly’s intervention followed the motion and distress calls received from constituents across the state. He observed that while some areas were affected by blocked canals and neglected drainage channels, others were inundated as a result of natural water flow. Amaewhule called on relevant government agencies responsible for drainage maintenance and desilting to intensify efforts to address the situation.
The Rivers State Government is expected to take urgent steps to protect lives and property in the affected communities. The government agencies responsible for drainage maintenance and desilting have been called upon to intensify efforts to address the situation. The flooding has highlighted the need for improved infrastructure and maintenance in the affected areas.
The severe flooding in Rivers State has displaced many residents and disrupted economic activities, with some businesses forced to relocate. The government has been urged to take urgent action to address the situation and prevent future occurrences. The impact of the flooding on public education and businesses has also been highlighted, with calls for improved infrastructure and maintenance.
Key points
- The flooding in Rivers State has displaced many residents and disrupted economic activities.
- The government has been urged to take urgent action to address the situation and prevent future occurrences.
- The flooding has highlighted the need for improved infrastructure and maintenance in the affected areas.
