The Rivers State House of Assembly has urged the government to take immediate action to address the flooding that has ravaged parts of the state. The Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, made the call after leading lawmakers on an inspection of flood-ravaged communities in Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas. The visit was a response to a motion moved by the Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Somiari-Stewart, who expressed concern over the worsening flood situation.
The flooding has displaced many families and rendered several roads inaccessible, with some areas affected due to blocked canals and neglected drainage channels, while others resulted from natural water flow. Amaewhule said the Assembly observed the devastating impact of the flooding firsthand and decided to take action. The lawmakers visited several flooded areas and listened to residents recount their experiences.
The Assembly had earlier expressed concern over reports of poisonous reptiles entering some homes submerged by floodwater. Somiari-Stewart, who raised the matter, said residents had lost property and means of livelihood to the flooding. She called the attention of the House to the reports of poisonous reptiles occupying some submerged homes and urged lawmakers to inspect the affected areas.
Following the motion, lawmakers voted unanimously to visit some flood-affected communities in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor to assess the extent of the damage. During the inspection, the lawmakers witnessed the devastating impact of the flooding and spoke to affected residents. Amaewhule expressed sympathy for the affected residents and urged the state government to take necessary measures to protect lives and property.
Amaewhule urged government agencies responsible for desilting drains to act promptly to prevent what he described as avoidable flooding. He expressed optimism that the Rivers State Government would respond to the situation and take steps to address the flooding across the state. The Speaker emphasized the need for urgent action to mitigate the effects of the flooding.
The flooding has had a significant impact on the lives of residents, with many losing their property and means of livelihood. The Rivers State House of Assembly has taken a proactive approach to addressing the situation, with lawmakers taking the lead in inspecting affected areas and calling for urgent action. The Assembly's efforts aim to bring relief to affected residents and prevent future occurrences.
The Rivers State Government has been urged to take necessary measures to protect lives and property in the face of the flooding. With the Assembly's call for urgent action, residents are hopeful that the government will take swift action to address the situation. The flooding has highlighted the need for proactive measures to mitigate its effects and ensure the well-being of residents.
Key points
- The Rivers State House of Assembly has called for urgent action to address flooding that has displaced families and rendered roads inaccessible.
