Human Rights Activist in Port Harcourt, Clifford Solomon has criticised the government’s lack of readiness to tackle the issue of flooding. Mr. Solomon who is also the chairman of the Defence for Human Rights Democracy expressed concerns In an interview with our reporters over the absence of government measures to mitigate the impact of flooding on its citizens. Mr. Clifford Solomon called on the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to ensure that relief materials are not just distributed to the flood victims but that the cleaning of canals and drainages is done amongst other tangible measures that can mitigate the flood.
The chairman of the Defence for Human Rights Democracy Clifford Solomon, however, charged the Rivers residents to ensure the regular cleaning of the environment and avoid putting dirt in drainages so as not to block it, stating that flood is indeed a disaster and early preparation and prevention will lead to less death, less sickness and displacement of families.
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Rivers State says training and sensitization is still ongoing from the members of the flood committee to the general public on how to avoid health hazards during the expected flood season. NEMA zonal coordinator Godwin Tepikor said this in an interview following groaning concerns that Rivers State was listed among States that will be affected by the release of excess water from the Lagdo dam on River Benue in Cameroon. Revealing that Cameroon has informed the Nigerian Government that they have opened the Lagdo dam stating that there would be flooding as a result and all hands must be on deck.
Mr. Tepico however, asked the Local Government Council to build drainages and camps in areas that may be of help to those affected by flood. He said they need to intensify their efforts and make sure that their drainages and waterways are cleared and ensure adequate materials are provided. He also encouraged the Local Government Council to work with other artificial stakeholders to ensure that the response is quick as as possible.
Meanwhile, residents of Oyibo West in Oyibo LGA are worried that they could lose their homes too in this year’s flooding. In an interview with our reporters, the residents said they feel left out of government plans as they have not had a good road network for the past six years. They complained of the destruction of property by the flood in the previous years. Recounting the havoc created by previous flood incidents, the Oyibo West residents said businesses and landowners are worst hit during these annual flood seasons.
