The Rivers State House of Assembly has taken a proactive step to address the devastating flooding in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas. Following a motion moved by the Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Linda Somiari-Stewart, the lawmakers visited the affected communities to assess the situation firsthand and determine how best to intervene. The motion was approved unanimously, leading to an inspection of some of the flood-hit areas.
The inspection, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, revealed the extent of the damage caused by the flooding. The lawmakers witnessed the displacement of families and the disruption of movement as several roads were rendered inaccessible by floodwaters. They also observed that blocked canals and poorly maintained drainage channels contributed to flooding in some locations, while natural water flow was responsible for the situation in others.
The Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Linda Somiari-Stewart, had drawn the attention of lawmakers to the alarming flood situation, describing it as life-threatening. She noted that the disaster had destroyed property and disrupted economic activities, while submerged homes had reportedly become breeding or hiding grounds for poisonous reptiles. Her motion urged the House to move into the affected communities to witness the situation firsthand.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, expressed sympathy with the victims and directed lawmakers to assess the situation in their respective constituencies and offer assistance where possible. He emphasized the need for urgent attention to the flooding, saying the Assembly would continue to engage the relevant authorities on the crisis. Amaewhule also called on the agencies responsible for desilting drainage channels to step up their duties.
The Rivers State House of Assembly's intervention follows mounting reports of destroyed homes, property, and livelihoods. The lawmakers' visit to the affected communities was aimed at assessing the damage and listening to residents recount the hardships caused by the flooding. The Speaker assured residents that the Assembly would work with the Rivers State Government to take urgent measures to contain the situation and alleviate the hardship of affected communities.
The flooding in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas has had a significant impact on the residents. The lawmakers observed that the displacement of families and disruption of movement had become a major challenge. The situation has also affected economic activities, with many residents struggling to access their homes and workplaces. The Assembly's visit was aimed at finding a solution to these challenges.
The Rivers State House of Assembly's proactive step to address the flooding has been welcomed by the affected communities. The Speaker's assurance that the Assembly would continue to engage the relevant authorities on the crisis has raised hopes that urgent measures would be taken to contain the situation. The Assembly's intervention is expected to alleviate the hardship of affected communities and safeguard lives and property.
Key points
- The Rivers State House of Assembly has visited flood-hit communities in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor, assuring victims of urgent government intervention.
- The flooding has caused significant damage, displacing families and disrupting economic activities.
- The Assembly's intervention aims to alleviate the hardship of affected communities and safeguard lives and property.
