In view of the 2023 impending flood prediction by the Nigeria Metrological Agency (NIMET), which will affect 19 Local Government Areas in the state, Rivers State House of Assembly Adhoc Committee on Flooding , has organised a meeting with the Council Chairmen of the affected areas and concerned ministries and MDAs with the overall objective of reducing the vulnerability of those communities.
Briefing the Assembly Press Corps after the meeting, the Chairman of the adhoc committee on flooding, Hon. Linda Somiari Stewart disclosed that preparations are on top gear to ensure that lives and properties are saved in case of flooding in the state.
She also said the the level of preparation shows that the extent of damage will be minimal after the flooding adding that the essence of the meeting was to know the pre, during and post preparations of those council chairmen with regards to the 2023 impending flood
On awareness and sensitization of the people in the affected areas, she said the Local Government Chairmen has briefed the committee on the level of their respective awareness campaigns which includes jingles on local dialects as being played in the media.
She also identified the existence of Internally Displaced Camps (IDP) scattered all over the affected LGAs in readiness for the flooding as part of the mitigative measures.
Linda Somiari Stewart however, assured that the adhoc committee on flooding will continue to supervise them on the infrastructures on ground as well as oversee their activities while ensuring that interventions from State Government and corporate bodies are channelled properly.
Speaking on behalf of the chairmen, the Chairman Bonny Local Government Area, Nengi Barasua stated that committees have been set up at the Local Government level to ensure that drainages are cleared.
The meeting also had the Commissioners for Health , Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh and Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Bar Mrs Inime Chinwenwo Aguma in attendance.
