The Rivers State Flood Prevention and Management Committee has called on the Federal Government to urgently dredge the heavily silted Orashi River — identified as a major cause of recurring floods in parts of the state.
Chairman of the committee and Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, made the appeal during a press briefing at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
She announced the full resumption of the committee’s operations after its intervention fund account was reopened and confirmed that engagements have begun with leaders of the most flood-prone local councils — including Ahoada West, Ahoada East, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, and Abua/Odual.
Odu explained that relief materials will soon be distributed to flood victims both in IDP camps and within affected communities.
She revealed that about 80 percent of previous intervention funds had already been used for camp rehabilitation, borehole installation, and relief procurement stored at the Navy barracks.
The Deputy Governor also blamed urban flooding in Port Harcourt on blocked drains and illegal structures, urging residents to support government efforts to keep waterways clear.
News edited by Favour Owonibi