The Nkpolu-Rumuigbo community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State has been severely affected by flooding, causing disruptions to economic and social activities. The Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman, Echene Daddy, expressed concern over the government's neglect of the area, stating that residents have been left to fend for themselves. The flooding has made movement difficult for motorists and residents due to the deplorable condition of the Nkpolu-Rumuigbo Road.
According to Echene Daddy, the flooding has been a recurring issue for over three years, with this year's incident being the worst. Several residents have been displaced and are seeking refuge in his office and the community town hall. The flood has also adversely affected businesses and companies operating in the area, with some forced to relocate. A company has already moved out, searching for a new location in the East due to the flood.
The poor condition of roads in the area has exacerbated the situation, with the Obi-Wali Road through Tuscany, Stoke City, and Eckankar areas becoming impassable. Residents who own vehicles have been forced to park them due to the deplorable road conditions. The CDC chairman also expressed concern over the state of government-owned schools in the community, with both primary and secondary schools affected by the flood.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has suspended other legislative activities to address the worsening flooding situation across the state. The decision was made following a motion of urgent public importance moved by the Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Somiari-Stewart. The motion called for urgent measures to address the impact of the floods, which have destroyed homes and means of livelihood, displacing residents in some affected communities.
The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Chike Amaewhule, expressed sympathy with affected residents and directed lawmakers to assess the situation in their respective constituencies and provide assistance where possible. Lawmakers inspected several flood-affected areas in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas, assessing the extent of damage and hearing complaints from residents.
After the inspection, Amaewhule stated that the visit was prompted by the motion and distress calls from constituents across the state. He noted that some areas were affected by blocked canals and neglected drainage channels, while others resulted from natural water flow. The Speaker called on relevant government agencies responsible for drainage maintenance and desilting to intensify their efforts.
Amaewhule expressed optimism that the Rivers State Government would take urgent steps to protect lives and property. The flooding has highlighted the need for the government to take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of such incidents in the future. Residents and businesses affected by the flood are counting their losses, hoping for swift intervention from the government to alleviate their suffering.
Key points
- The flooding in Nkpolu-Rumuigbo community has caused significant disruptions to economic and social activities, displacing many residents and affecting businesses.
- The poor condition of roads and government-owned schools in the community has exacerbated the situation, with some schools forced to close due to the flood.
- The Rivers State House of Assembly has taken steps to address the flooding situation, with lawmakers inspecting affected areas and calling for urgent measures to mitigate the impact of the floods.
