The severe flooding ravaging communities and the deplorable state of roads in Rivers state have continued to attract the attention of Civil society groups in the state.
A Non-Governmental Organisation, Community Advancement Initiative (CAI) is calling on Rivers State Government, relevant ministries and Local Government Councils to take urgent and coordinated action to address the persistent flooding and deplorable road conditions that have crippled economic activities across the state.
The Organisation made the call in Port Harcourt through its National Coordinator, Edoo Friday-Nekabari, who spoke to Kristina Reports on the growing concerns over the impact of flooding on residents, businesses and commuters.
“It is unfortunate that Port Harcourt City and other places in Rivers State now suffer the twin disaster of flood and bad roads while the state government and relevant federal agencies seem to be very silent over it. At a drop of rain, most of the roads are taken over by flood, people are driven out of their homes”.
Friday-Nekabari specifically identified some strategic areas in the state that have been submerged by flood. According to him, places like Peter Odili Road, Iwofe Road, Aka road, NTA road, Rumuomasi roundabout, and many others are either in terrible shape of disrepair or flooded to the point that they become impassable as the rain falls, describing the situation as a serious concern requiring immediate intervention.
Speaking further, Friday-Nekabari also drew the attention of government and relevant agencies to a section around the Kira, Tai LGA axis of the East-West road which according to him, has collapsed for several weeks ago without any effort by the government to remedy the situation.
“Part of the East-West Road at Kira caved in with huge gully over one month ago but till today, nothing is happening around that area. I don’t know whether we are waiting for something to happen or there should be loss of lives before the government will understand and undertake the necessary rehabilitation and reconstruction of these important roads that have been eroded or flooded.”
He called for properly connected drainage systems, regular desilting and widening of major drains, clearing of blocked waterways and culverts, provision of adequate water outlets and routine maintenance of drainage infrastructure.
Friday-Nekabari however urged the authorities to use the period after the rains to undertake comprehensive repairs and drainage works, rather than waiting until the next heavy rainfall before responding. He stressed that proactive investment in drainage and road infrastructure would help reduce the recurring impact of flooding on communities, businesses and commuters across Rivers State.
