The Rivers State House of Assembly has called for urgent government action following an inspection of communities affected by flooding in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas.
The lawmakers visited the affected areas after a motion of urgent public importance raised concerns over the growing hardship faced by residents whose homes, businesses and means of livelihood have been impacted by rising floodwaters.
Deputy Majority Leader of the Assembly, Linda Somiari-Stewart, had drawn attention to the situation, including concerns over reports of poisonous reptiles taking refuge in submerged homes.
Following the motion, the Assembly embarked on an on-the-spot assessment to determine the extent of the damage and understand the immediate challenges confronting residents.
Speaker of the Assembly, Martin Chike Amaewhule, said lawmakers decided to inspect the affected communities personally rather than rely solely on reports from constituents.
According to him, the inspection showed that several families had been displaced, while some roads had become inaccessible because of the rising water.
Amaewhule also identified blocked canals and poorly maintained drainage channels among factors contributing to the flooding, while acknowledging that natural water flow had also played a role in some locations.
He called on relevant government agencies responsible for drainage and flood management to clear blocked waterways and address other obstructions that could worsen the situation.
The Speaker expressed sympathy with residents affected by the flooding and said the Assembly would continue to monitor developments and draw attention to the needs of communities requiring assistance.
The inspection has renewed calls for urgent measures to address drainage infrastructure and flood management in parts of Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor, as affected residents continue to deal with displacement, property damage and restricted movement.
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