Some flood victims in Rivers State have insisted that what they need is a deliberate government intervention to clear blocked waterways and permanently address the perennial flooding affecting their communities and not relief materials.

The Guardian assessment showed that flooding has intensified in several parts of the state following sustained rainfall, leaving homes and businesses submerged and forcing some residents to relocate.

This comes amid residents’ concerns over the State Government’s lack of proactive measures to address the worsening flooding across affected communities in the state.

The residents argued that the distribution of relief materials, which is often politicised and diverted, does not address the root causes of the recurring floods.

Communities in Rumuekini, Rumagholu ,Eliparanwo and Elikpokwodu in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area have been severely affected, with many homes flooded and commercial activities disrupted.

Also, residents of Oyigbo and some parts of Port Harcourt local Government Areas are also battling challenges.

In Oyigbo, some residents have begun vacating their homes as floodwaters continue to rise.

A resident of Umuasia community,in Oyigbo ,Samuel Amadi, blamed the situation on years of government neglect.

“We do not need relief materials. What we need is for the government to clear the waterways and construct proper drainages. This flooding occurs every year because there are no functional drainage systems and the area is becoming densely populated without any regulations.

“This is not just a natural disaster; it is a result of negligence. Buildings are springing up without proper planning or monitoring. Anyone bringing relief materials is only treating the symptoms instead of solving the problem,” the resident said.

In Elikpokudi axis, monitoring showed that floodwaters had submerged several homes, forcing many families to seek temporary shelter elsewhere.

The devastating flood also submerged houses including the Apostolic Church and Anglican Church in Sime, Ward 8 in Tai Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking, President-General of the Movement for the Development of Oyigbo Ndoki Nationality, Dr. Victor Okpute, blamed successive administrations for failing to implement lasting flood control measures.

“Communities such as Umuasia experience flooding every year, yet nothing substantial has been done to solve the problem. The floodwaters have nowhere to flow because the drainage channels are blocked.

“We are not asking for relief materials. Government should clear the waterways and provide a permanent solution to this recurring challenge,” he said.

Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said , it has commenced an assessment of flood affected communities in Oyigbo Local Government Area and some parts of the state to identify the immediate needs of affected residents ahead of possible intervention. (The Guardian)

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