As heavy rains continue to batter Port Harcourt and other parts of Rivers State, residents have been urged to remain vigilant as floodwaters conceal dangerous open manholes across the city. The situation has heightened concerns over public safety, with experts warning that a moment of carelessness could result in tragic consequences.
The theft of manhole covers by metal scavengers has left numerous drainage openings exposed, creating hidden hazards for pedestrians and motorists during the rainy season.
The Secretary of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), Rivers State Branch, Taiwo Mogbojuri, gave the warning in an interview with our correspondents. He expressed concern that the increasing theft of manhole covers has left dangerous openings hidden beneath floodwaters.
“We have to be safety-conscious, especially when it is raining and there is flooding. A single wrong step can cause someone to fall into a drain and be swept away. Everyone should be very careful. We often hear of cases where people unknowingly fall into open manholes. My advice is that if you see a flooded road, don’t assume it is safe simply because other people are crossing it. If possible, avoid walking or driving through flooded areas,” he said.
Mr. Mogbojuri also advised parents and guardians to keep children away from flooded roads and drainage channels, warning that children are particularly vulnerable during periods of heavy rainfall. He further urged motorists not to drive through floodwaters of unknown depth, noting that hidden potholes, open drains, and strong currents could lead to serious accidents or loss of life.
Appealing for greater community responsibility, he encouraged residents to take proactive steps whenever they notice uncovered manholes.
“I also want to appeal to everyone in the community to be their brother’s keeper. If we notice any area where a manhole is open and uncovered, we should do everything within our power to barricade it temporarily, provided it is safe to do so. We should also report such hazards to the appropriate authorities so that the covers can be replaced and avoidable disasters prevented,” he added.
Meanwhile, residents and business owners in the Mile 3 area of Port Harcourt are counting their losses following a heavy downpour on Monday morning that triggered widespread flooding across the community. The rainfall submerged several streets, homes, and business premises, disrupted movement, damaged property, and brought commercial activities to a standstill.
Some frustrated residents who spoke with our correspondents blamed the persistent flooding on blocked drainage systems, poor road infrastructure, and the increasing number of uncovered manholes, many of which were completely submerged beneath the floodwaters.
They lamented that the hidden openings pose a serious threat to unsuspecting road users and called on the government to urgently replace stolen manhole covers, improve drainage infrastructure, and strengthen measures to curb the theft of public property.
The residents also appealed for long-term solutions to the recurring flooding in Port Harcourt, stressing that urgent intervention is needed to protect lives, property, and businesses as the peak of the rainy season continues.
