By Ikuru Lizzy
Some residents in Eleme Local Government Area have solicited Rivers government’s intervention in averting future floods by ensuring that the waterways are free of buildings and silt.
Some communities in the LGA recently suffered diverse effects of flood including loss of properties, farms and alleged deaths.
The communities, Ogale and Agbo-Nchia experienced many houses submerged while in Alesa, the area affected was formerly a water collection centre which was bought and refilled.
According sources, the area had never experienced the flooding of this year’s magnitude and was not a residential area but occupied by Churches, workshops, shops among others which were affected by flood.
Mr Joel Oluka, former Councilor, Ogale Ward, Eleme Area Council, attributed the recent flood in Ogale to unregulated activities of estate and land developers.
He accused some developers of constructing on unapproved sites, enroaching natural waterways and flood plains.
Oluka therefore, urged the local and state government to intervene by way of regulating activities of developers.
He also expressed concerns about the plight of displaced residents whom he said had yet to return to their homes and businesses.
“Part of the lasting solution should be reactivating the natural waterway, even though houses have been built on them.
“If possible, the government should pay some compensations to property owners so they could allow room for adjustments on their properties.
“This will enhance free flow of water through the Agbo-Nchia canal,” he said.
Speaking also, Mrs Chua Abbey, a farmer in the area, told that farmlands were not left out of ordeal as farm produce, especially tuber corps, were destroyed.
Another resident and trader, Mr Frank Dimpka, also said his business in the area had been shot down following the flood incident.
“This is causing more hardship for my family; that’s why, I’m appealing to the government to come to our aid.
“There’s urgent need for demolition of all unapproved buildings on the waterways.
“Decongestion of water channels will go a long way to reducing flood challenges in Ogale community,” he said
Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) identified Rivers as a state with considerable risk of flash flooding and predicated flood risk for low-lying areas in the state for 2025.
NiMet also advised residents of flood prone areas to adhere to government instructions for safety by clearing drainages and preparing emergency measures to reduce impact.
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