The Rivers State Government has warned residents against blocking or illegally altering waterways and drainage channels, saying it will take firm action against activities contributing to flooding across communities in the state.
The Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, gave the warning on Thursday after leading the Rivers State Flood Prevention and Management Committee on an inspection of flood-affected areas in Eneka and Rukpokwu.
Odu, who also visited the palace of the traditional ruler of Rukpokwu, Eze Collins Ogwu III, to distribute relief materials to affected residents, said Governor Siminalayi Fubara had directed the committee to intensify measures to alleviate the hardship caused by the flooding.
She said the inspection revealed serious obstruction and unauthorised alteration of existing waterways and canals, which had worsened flooding in some areas.
The Deputy Governor specifically cited an ongoing attempt to reclaim portions of a canal in Rumuomasi, warning that such activities would no longer be tolerated.
“Such illegal land reclamation will not be tolerated, as it directly escalates flood risks for neighbouring communities,” she said.
Odu also visited New Jerusalem Estate, where residents reportedly showed how floodwaters had been redirected from surrounding areas into the estate, resulting in the flooding of homes.
She said the findings from the inspection would be presented to Governor Fubara, after which the Ministry of Works would engage community leaders and estate managers to restore original drainage channels.
According to her, the Ministries of Works and Environment would also conduct a joint investigation into the causes of flooding in Rukpokwu, Eneka and adjoining communities, with a view to developing permanent engineering solutions.
The Deputy Governor said the state government had commenced the distribution of relief materials to families affected by the floods, while an authentic register of affected households was being compiled to facilitate further assistance.
She added that the committee would return to the affected communities on Friday with additional relief materials as part of the state government’s continuing assessment and intervention.
Odu urged residents to cooperate with government authorities and desist from activities that obstruct drainage systems or encroach on natural waterways.
She said recurring flooding in urban areas was significantly worsened by blocked drainage channels and illegal construction along waterways.
The Deputy Governor assured affected residents that the state government remained committed to protecting communities and addressing both the immediate humanitarian needs and the underlying causes of the flooding.
