Flood:RSG Deplores Relief Diversion

The Rivers State Government has warned community leaders against diverting relief materials meant for flood victims in their area, warning that any person caught in such act will face the wrath of the law.

Chairman of the  Rivers State Flood Relief Committee and Deputy Governor, Engr Tele Ikuru gave the warning Monday when he embarked on an inspection tour of relief camps in Ahoada- East Local Government Area.

Engr Ikuru noted that the committee has received reports on  some community leaders who are being accused of shortchanging their people,” from henceforth, any community leaders found diverting relief materials meant for flood victims would be made to face the full wrath of the law.’’

The deputy governor assured that the state government was poised to tackling the plight of victims hence the frequent visits by the committee to get first-hand information of their condition.

He then urged the flood victims to cooperate with those managing the camps, and challenged the camp chaperons to live up to their billings and avoid acts capable of endangering the lives of thousand of people displaced by the ravaging floods.

He assured that more relief materials would be sent to them, saying that the Committee had already taken stock of their needs and pledged to respond adequately and make necessary changes.

In a related development, the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikuru has ordered the immediate closure of Community Secondary School, Ula-Upata in Ahoada- East Local Government Area in order to house some flood victims in the area.

Commenting on the development, Ikuru said,” it is not our wish to close down the school temporarily but the health of the people is more paramount to us as a government; as such this camp would be relocating to the secondary school latest tomorrow’’(Tuesday).

On his part, Chairman of Ahoada-East Local Government Area, Mr. Cassidy Ikegbidi expressed appreciation to the state government for its efforts in cushioning the pains of flood victims in the area.

The Commissioner for Environment, Dr.Nyema Weli hinted that already, an assessment of the camps’ environment had been made, and promised that quick measures are being put in place to address those challenges.