….As Victims Receive Relief Materials, Desilting Of Rumuokoro-Rumuodomaya-Eligbolo Canal Underway
The Rivers State Flood Prevention and Management Committee on Wednesday delivered relief materials to flood victims in Oyigbo Local Government Area.
Chairman of the Committee and Deputy Governor of the state, Prof. Mrs. Ngozi Nma Odu, represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson said that Governor Siminalayi Fubara has promised to ensure that the victims of flooding across the 18 LGAs identified by NIMET and NEMA, as possible impacted areas will receive adequate attention from the Rivers State Government.
Prof. Mrs. Ngozi Nma Odu disclosed that the Orashi River is the entry point through which the flood enters the state whenever Cameroon releases water from their Ladgo dam and the Rivers Niger and Benue overflow their banks, noting that this always put the people of the 4 LGAs of Abua/Odual, Ahoada East, Ahoada West and the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni are worst hit as the epicenter.
She said that the Orashi River if dredged and deepened, it will reduce the level of inundation across the state.
He also informed that medical services will be provided for them, noting that there will be post-flood intervention to address environmental challenges caused by the flood to make their habitats safe for healthy living.
The Flood Prevention and Management Committee Chairman therefore urged the people to do their best to complement the efforts of the state government in ensuring that drainages and the entire area is kept free from blockade to mitigate the effects of flash flooding which most parts of Oyigbo is prone to.
Receiving the items on behalf of the Oyigbo Local Government, Dr. Gift Okere, Vice Chairman of the Council, Hon. Nwakanma Amaechi, expressed gratitude to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and chairman of the Flood Prevention and Management Committee, Prof. Mrs. Ngozi Nma Odu and members of the Committee for the proactive intervention.
which include bags of garri, salt, cartons of indomie instant noodles, tomatoes paste, tubers of yam, among others.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Oyigbo LGA Flood Prevention and Management Committee, Dr. Victor Okpute said that most parts of Oyigbo are prone to flash flooding occasioned by overflowing of the Imo river as well as torrential rains.
He appealed to the state government to help in desilting of the river, canals and drainages within the LGA in order to stave off or mitigate the impact of future occurrence of flooding in the affected area.
The Paramount ruler of Oyigbo and other community leaders applauded the government for taking proactive measures in addressing the humanitarian challenges posed by the periodic flooding of Oyigbo.
They reaffirm their support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara, even as they vowed to stand by him through thick and thin to ensure that he completes 8 years in office of 2 terms of 4 years each because of his people centered policies and focused leadership.
Information and Communications Commissioner, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, who represented the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Mrs. Ngozi Nma Odu, was accompanied by his colleagues and fellow Commissioners, including Chief Obed Whyte (Special Projects), Mr. Arugu (Social Welfare and Rehabilitation) and Engr. Sydney Tambari Gbara (Environment).
On-the-spot assessment of work on the desilting of rumuokoro-rumuadamaya-eligbo canal
Members of the Rivers State Flood Prevention and Management Committee later visited the Rumuokoro-Rumuodomaya – Eligbolo Canal in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area to carry out an on-the-spot assessment of the ongoing desilting work at the canal.
According to the representative of the Committee Chairman and Honourable Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, the aim of the desilting which is in line with the express directive of Governor Siminalayi Fubara is to open up the canal for easy flow of water to mitigate flooding in that area of the Port Harcourt cosmopolitan City.
The team had earlier visited the Obio/Akpor LGA Chairmen, Hon. Amb. Chijioke Ihunwo in the Council Secretariat at Rumuodamaya, headquarters of the LGA, Warisenibo Joe Johnson told the OBALGA Chairman that the Committee was there at the instance of the Deputy Governor, Prof. Mrs. Ngozi Nma Odu who is Chairman of the Committee but on an official engagement out of the state to ascertain the level of work on the canal.
During the visit, a swamp buggy was sighted at work in the canal.
Some progress has been recorded so far in the desilting project which is dear to the heart of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, with debris cleared and water flowing easily through the canal. The Obio/Akpor LGA Chairman, Hon. Amb. Chijioke Ihunwo who accompanied the State Flood Prevention and Management Committee on the inspection of the canal assured constant monitoring of work to ensure the desired result within the time frame set by the government.
