Landlords in Port Harcourt have raised an alarm over the growing threat posed by a blocked water canal, urging the Rivers State Government to take swift action to avert flooding and potential collapse of newly constructed internal roads in the area.
Speaking under the aegis of the Rumuokania II New Layout Landlords Association, Ada George, the property owners said the poor state of drainage in the community could lead to severe hardship if not urgently addressed.
Chairman of the association, Mr. Joel Gbandi, who presented the appeal during a media chat in Port Harcourt, expressed dismay that the obstructed canal was already undermining the integrity of the roads.
He warned that the situation exposes the neighbourhood to erosion and threatens the safety and livelihoods of residents.
While commending Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his investment in infrastructure and responsiveness to community needs, Gbandi stressed the need to safeguard the newly built roads from damage.
“While we commend the governor for this impactful project, we wish to draw his attention to an emerging issue that poses a threat to the durability of this critical road infrastructure,” he said.
According to him, the blocked canal, once a major waterway traversing communities such as Rumuokania, Mgbraja, Ogbogoro, Egbelu, Elioparanwo, Mini-Orlu, and Rumuevorlu—now requires urgent intervention.
He appealed to the government to fast-track the desilting of the canal to prevent the roads from being washed away by flash floods during the rains.
