Commissioner Cautions Flood Victims

The Rivers State Government, has warned victims of the recent flood disaster in various camps across the state not to contemplate a return to their homes, until they were told to do so.

The Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Nyema Weli who handed down the warning in Port Harcourt, during this month’s environmental sanitation exercise said that, the residents can only return home, when the affected communites are declared medically safe for human habitation.

Dr. Weli said that the move is to check any possible outbreak of epidemic in the affected areas.

He disclosed that a legislation that would make it compulsory for every homes to clean its surrounding would soon be enacted by the government.

The Commissioner said that once the law is made, it would be illegal for people to participate in other activities during sanitation hours.

He also said that the ministry of Environment would take the responsibility of directly supervising traders at the Yam Zone at Creek road, Port Harcourt Trans/Amadi slaughter markets to ensure cleanliness in the areas.

Dr. Weli who commended residents of Ozuboko Ama and Fimie Ama all in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area , for turning out enmess for the exercise, however, urged them not to wait for only sanitation days before cleaning up their surroundings.

Also speaking, the Rivers State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Oliver Wollugbom stressed the need for residents of the state to imbibe the habit of cleanliness.

Mr. Wollugbom said that by so doing, the people will be helping the government to create a healthy environment in the state.

He commended the Ministry of Environment for sustaining the monthly situation exercise.

Speaking at the Yam Zone, Creek road, the Chairman of the Market Association, Alhaji Sule Okiri said that the traders need pay loaders to evacuate refuse.

Another trader, Mr. Kenneth Nwalta urged the government to open creek road to traffic.

More than 90 defaulters were arrested during the exercise.