For several weeks, floods have remained a major concern in Rivers State, affecting communities across about thirteen of the State’s twenty-three local government areas.
In response, the Rivers State Government has stepped up its humanitarian intervention, providing relief materials, financial assistance, and healthcare support to affected residents, while intensifying efforts to tackle the problem at its source.
Tuesday saw the Flood Management and Control Committee visit some affected areas and also provide relief and cash support to the residents.
From community to community, the Rivers State Flood Management and Control Committee, led by the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, has been on the ground assessing the situation and responding to the needs of affected residents.
The intervention has taken the committee to some of the worst-hit communities, where families have been left counting the cost of the floods.
Relief materials have been distributed, while identified victims are also receiving financial assistance to help them cope with the immediate impact of the disaster.
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For vulnerable residents, the support extends beyond food and cash.
The State Government says affected persons will also have access to free healthcare as part of measures to protect them from the health risks associated with flooding.
The government on Monday provided a cash stipend to several residents
affected by flooding at Mercyland Estate, Nkpolu Extension, Rumuigbo, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
The humanitarian response is anchored on the government’s stated commitment to putting the welfare of the people at the centre of governance.
And in keeping with its ‘Rivers People First’ mantra, the Fubara Adminstration says support will continue to reach residents whose lives have been affected by the floods.
The Rivers State Flood Management and Control Committee also visited the State owned Rehabilitation Centre, Iriebe, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, to assess the impact of flooding and provide relief materials to inmates and staff.
The committee expressed concern over the condition of the centre, sympathising with the inmates and staff over the hardship caused by the flood.
The flooding in the area has been blamed on changes to the natural drainage pattern arising from the construction of the Port Harcourt Ring Road.
As emergency assistance continues, the State Government is also intensifying efforts to address some of the factors contributing to flooding.
Heavy-duty equipment, including swamp buggies, have been deployed to desilt and open up blocked canals and waterways, with the aim of improving water flow and reducing the risk of prolonged flood.
From relief materials and cash support to healthcare and the deployment of heavy machinery, the Rivers State Government says its response will continue for as long as the situation demands.
For the affected communities, the expectation is clear, relief today, and a lasting solution tomorrow.
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(Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie)
