RSG Begins Flood Alert Campaign …Allays Fears

The Rivers State Government has assured people living in flood-phone areas of adequate security of their environment, lives and property, as plans have been concluded ahead of time against the 2013 weather forecast by the Nigerian Metrological Agency (NIMET).

Special Duties Commissioner, Barrister Dickson Umunakwe gave the assurance while fielding questions from newsmen in his office.

According to him, “ six states in the North West, six also in the South West, Cross River and Delta States in the South-South region will be affected while the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has included other states in the coastal areas of the country including Rivers State to be on the alert of the imminent flood”.

The commissioner disclosed that his ministry in partnership with relevant ministries and NEMA would embark on imminent flood sensitization campaigns to communities in the flood-prone areas before June, adding that the ministry would also employ all available medium to pass across its on-going flood alert campaigns, including the use of jingles on radio, television and handbills, so as to create resilience in people for them to take informed decision in the advent of flood”.

Barr Dickson recalled that during the 2012 flood disaster, the state government was able to affect the lives of the victims by providing the 250 communities with 25 camps, generating sets, healthcare, foods and the post flood relief materials such as yam seedlings, plantain and banana suckers as well as cassava stems.

He promised to tackle the challenges faced last year on the diversion of relief materials and to reopen the camps with improved social amenities before the rains step in for their comfort.

In another development, the state commissioner for Environment Dr Nyema Weli has assured on  measures are already being taken to mitigate any likely adverse impact of the predicted flooding in the state.

The commissioner, who spoke through the Permanent Secretary, Dr George Nwaeke shortly after the monthly sanitation at the weekend said that the flood control department in the ministry has been directed to step up proactive action to mitigate the impact of the impending disaster.

He also said that the ministry was working hard to ensure that there was no obstruction to free flow of water in all drainages in Port Harcourt City and its environs.

Later, the permanent secretary hinted that the ministry of environment would  liaise with its urban development counterparts to address the menace of illegal structures at the rail way line behind Isiokpo Street, D/Line, Port Harcourt.

Dr Nwaeke who addressed newsmen along with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Director in the state, Mr Oliver Wollugbum regretted that affected structures including toilet facilities were built inn water channels.

Also speaking, the state Director, Mr Wollugbum regretted the incessant construction of illegal structure on drainages and water rights of way and warned that unless this situation was checked, flooding would continue.

A resident of Isiokpo Street, D/Line, Mr Ibeabuchi Agwu had earlier told newsmen that illegal structures along railway line in the area has become a threat to the people. He said that it was against this background that the ministry of environment was invited to the area.

Meanwhile, state director of NOA, Wollugbum has charged chief mobilisation officers in the 23 local government areas to educate and enlighten the people at the grassroots of the impending heavy rains that would be experiences this year in the state.