Expert Seeks Green Areas To Protect Ecology

The need to convert the water-logged areas in the city of Port Harcourt into recreational advantages has been highlighted.

The Chief Executive Officer of Centre for Environment and Community Development (CECD), Mr. John Akinuba, made this known in Port Harcourt recently as he addressed the issue of flooding in an interview with our correspondent.

Mr. Akinuba who still believes that the issue of flooding in our neigbourhood  is yet to receive the right attention it deserves, said, although construction on waterways causes obstructions, the fact still remains that the torental rain and its frequency had increased due mostly to climate change and global warming, hence developmental issues must consider this aspect.

Pointing out that every eco-system has its drainage pattern, which if obstructed could lead to flooding, Mr. Akinuba said the city planners must as a matter of necessity, leave some areas that are water-logged and perhaps use same for recreational purposes. “There is no part of the world where there is no provision for green areas within cities”. He said, as he also tasks the government of the day on the creation of recreational facilities where people can go and relax, which in his view, would serve other purposes including income generation while still protecting the eco-system. Akinuba who debunked the idea that a portion of land is more valued when permanent structures are constructed therein, said these “green areas” if when established, could serve as good tourist centres which will also impact positively on our foreign reserve, boost the image and popularity of our state and most importantly, without interfering with the ecosystem.

Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi