Flooding: RSG Reads Riot Act

The Rivers State Government has again vowed to deal decisively with anyone found hoarding and stockpiling petroleum products or dumping refuse into water channels in the state capital and its environs.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Emergency and Relief Services, Hon Ben Bereni Irisofe, who gave the warning when he visited the family of a couple who lost their four children following kerosene explosion in Ozuoba and flood victims in Eneka, both in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, said the present administration will no longer tolerate the frequent fire incidents in the state.
Irisofe said despite several efforts by the state government to control the use of petroleum products and campaigns against indiscriminate dumping of refuse on waterways, some residents have failed to comply with government directives.
He further warned that the fact that government has listening ears does not mean that it will fold its arms and watch other innocent ones suffer in the state.
While sympathising with the victims of the explosion and flooding, the governor’s aide assured that he will make a comprehensive report to the governor for immediate relief measures.
According to him, ’’I want to appeal to all residents of the state affected by the recent flooding to have strong faith in the ability of this administration to proffer solutions and tackle this ugly menace’’.
He said while the government was seriously finding solutions to the negative impact of the menace with respect to the topography, water channels and landscape, residents are advised to stop indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainages, and periodically clean all drainages around their areas of abode.
‘’This is one of the reasons for the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. I also would want everybody to be cautious of certain household petroleum products purchased for use that fall short of their actual chemical properties’’, he warned.
The Tide reports that the governor’s aide visited Rumuoha in Eneka, Rumuoguta-Airport link road, Dick Avenue and Aurion Drive, Off Obi Wali Road and Chief Onwuzurike Close in Nkpolu-Rumuigbo.
The Tide learnt that goods and properties worth millions of Naira were lost following the fire incident in Ozuoba where a couple lost four of their children.
Similarly, residents of Eneka are now living as refugees following the devastating flooding that ravaged the community, recently.