The Rivers State Government has pledged additional relief support to residents affected by the worsening floods across parts of the state, following its earlier announcement of N200,000 financial assistance to each affected victim.
The State Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Rivers State Flood Prevention and Management Committee, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, announced the additional measures on Friday while visiting flood-affected communities in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
At the Palace of the Nyewe Eli of Eneka, His Royal Highness, Prof. Rowland Woko, Prof. Odu delivered food, non-food items and medicines to residents affected by the flooding.
She said Governor Siminalayi Fubara had directed the committee to move beyond distributing relief materials through local government councils and reach communities that suffered the worst impact of the disaster.
According to her, the government was responding directly to the needs of residents as the flooding intensified in several communities, with some areas requiring makeshift wooden bridges and canoes for movement.
Odu also announced that flood victims would be enrolled in the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), through which they would receive free medical treatment for one year.
She added that vulnerable residents, including elderly people, children and persons living with disabilities, would continue to benefit from the health intervention beyond the initial one-year period.
The Deputy Governor further disclosed that Governor Fubara had approved additional financial assistance for some affected families, while assuring residents that the government was working on long-term measures to address the recurring causes of flooding.
The Nyewe Eli of Eneka, Prof. Rowland Woko, who spoke through Prof. Echebiri Wobidi, expressed appreciation to the state government for coming to the community’s aid.
He described the current flooding as the worst he had witnessed in his lifetime and appealed to the government to find a permanent solution to the recurring disaster.
At Edmac Avenue, near Redeemers Secondary School, Mercy Land, Nkpolu, where she inspected flood-affected areas, Odu assured residents in other affected communities of continued government support.
She said the Governor was concerned about the extent of damage caused by the recent heavy rains and had directed the committee to inspect critical locations, assess the situation and provide immediate assistance.
Odu said the government was also tackling environmental factors contributing to flooding, including blocked drains and canals, damaged culverts and structures erected on waterways.
She disclosed that the Ministries of Works and Environment were undertaking desilting and clearing of blocked waterways in affected areas, using swamp-buggy equipment to improve the flow of water.
The Deputy Governor also commended an American humanitarian, Mr. Cliff Jarrell, for providing shelter and support to vulnerable children in the Nkpolu community for the past 14 years.
She directed that additional food and non-food items be provided to the home, which also caters for children affected by crises, including flooding.
Jarrell, who is also the Secretary of the Estate, said his humanitarian work began after an orphaned child came to live with him.
He said the home had since continued to accommodate vulnerable children who had nowhere else to turn, particularly during periods of crisis.
Jarrell expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara and the Prof. Odu-led Flood Prevention and Management Committee for the support extended to the community and the children in his care.
