Residents of Rumueme and adjoining areas in Port Harcourt have appealed to the Rivers State Government to urgently address worsening flooding caused by persistent rainfall and blocked drainage channels.
The affected residents, particularly those living along the Mile 4 axis of Ikwerre Road, said recurring flash floods have continued to disrupt economic activities, damage property and expose communities to health hazards.
They attributed the situation to poor drainage maintenance, indiscriminate disposal of refuse and the absence of regular environmental sanitation exercises, which they said previously helped keep drainage channels free of debris.
Speaking with reporters, residents expressed frustration over the recurring floods, noting that the problem has persisted for years without a lasting solution.
One resident recalled that community members previously participated in monthly sanitation exercises that involved clearing drains and waterways but said the practice has since been discontinued, worsening the flooding situation.
According to the resident, drainage channels that once allowed free flow of water are now obstructed, causing floodwaters to overflow into homes, roads and business premises whenever heavy rain falls.
Another resident urged government authorities to intervene by restoring environmental sanitation programmes and ensuring proper maintenance of drainage infrastructure.
Some residents also called for the provision of waste collection bins at strategic locations, arguing that improved waste management would discourage indiscriminate dumping of refuse into gutters and waterways.
A resident affected by the flooding said the situation had disrupted daily activities, preventing many people from going to work and creating difficulties for students and other road users.
The resident appealed to relevant authorities to dredge drainage channels and remove accumulated sand and waste materials blocking the free flow of water.
In Orowo Community, Rumueme, Secretary of the Community Development Committee, Eze Otueye, lamented what he described as years of unaddressed complaints regarding blocked drainage systems.
He disclosed that the community had previously written to the local government authorities seeking intervention but had yet to receive a positive response.
Otueye identified heaps of refuse obstructing major drainage channels as one of the primary causes of flooding in the area and called on the Rivers State Waste Management Agency to take immediate action.
According to him, the flooding has resulted in significant losses for residents, with some families losing valuable property and important documents during heavy downpours.
Residents further warned that stagnant floodwater mixed with refuse and sewage poses serious public health risks, including the spread of waterborne diseases and environmental contamination.
They appealed to the Rivers State Government and relevant agencies to urgently clear blocked drainages, improve waste disposal systems and implement sustainable flood-control measures to protect lives and property.
The residents maintained that prompt intervention would not only ease the suffering of affected communities but also help prevent further environmental and health challenges associated with recurring floods in the area.
By Maduadugwo Jane and Nzeuzor Jane, Port Harcourt
