By Precious Amadi
Residents of Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State have raised concerns over persistent flooding in several communities, saying many families have started abandoning their homes following days of heavy rainfall.
The stakeholders said the recurring flooding has disrupted economic activities and made movement difficult in affected areas, with fears that the situation could worsen if urgent intervention is not provided.
One of the stakeholders, Mr. Victor Okpute, blamed successive governments for failing to implement a lasting solution to the problem despite repeated complaints by residents over the years.
According to him, the flooding has become a yearly occurrence that continues to threaten lives and property in the area.
“We have been suffering from this flooding for years, and nothing concrete has been done. Each time it rains heavily, our homes are flooded and people are forced to leave,” he said.
Okpute stressed that residents were no longer interested in temporary palliatives or emergency relief materials, insisting that government should focus on providing a permanent solution to the flooding.
“What residents need is not relief materials. We want a permanent solution that will stop the flooding whenever it rains,” he added.
He called on the Rivers State Government and relevant environmental agencies to urgently address drainage challenges in the area and put measures in place to prevent further displacement of residents.
