Rivers State Deputy Governor and Chairman of the State Flood Prevention and Management Committee, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to providing immediate relief and long-term solutions to the flooding crisis in the state.
She stated this yesterday, while addressing residents of Rukpokwu affected by flooding at Government House, Port Harcourt.
Prif. Odu, who noted that the situation had become particularly devastating in parts of Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas, stressed that some residents had been forced to use canoes to access their homes due to rising floodwaters.
She explained that the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, had directed the committee to intensify its efforts by revisiting the worst-hit communities to distribute relief materials and provide direct financial assistance to affected residents.
According to her, the state government had commenced the transfer of ₦200,000 to identified flood victims through their personal bank accounts to eliminate third-party interference and ensure that the assistance reached the intended beneficiaries.
“This is to let you know that we have a compassionate Governor who cares about issues affecting the people, especially the downtrodden”, Prof. Odu stressed.
Beyond immediate relief, the Deputy Governor said the government was also working on long-term measures to redirect floodwaters into designated canals to address the persistent flooding problem, explaining that the project would commence after the floodwaters had receded.
She added that the state government was incorporating healthcare support through the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP ), which would enable affected residents requiring medical attention to access healthcare services free of charge.
Odu commended the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for her prompt response and the deployment of a team already in the state, and also expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its continued support, while also appealing for increased assistance from NEMA and other relevant federal authorities.
The Deputy Governor reassured residents that the state government would sustain its efforts to alleviate the suffering of flood victims and address the challenges posed by the disaster.
In their responses, some of the Beneficiaries: Mrs. Precious Uzoka, Muritala Sanusi, and Chinedu James Asonye, expressed gratitude to the State Governor for the kind gesture, stressing that it was unprecedented in the annals of their history.
- Benebo is the Information/Public Relations Officer, Office of the Deputy Governor.