The Rivers State Government has commenced the distribution of relief materials to residents affected by flooding in Khana and Gokana Local Government Areas as part of efforts to alleviate the hardship caused by the disaster.
The State’s Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Flood Prevention and Management Committee, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, disclosed this during the distribution of food and non-food items to the chairmen of Khana and Gokana Local Government Areas at the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder (NNS Pathfinder) operational base in Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Prof. Odu said the intervention was part of the state government’s deliberate efforts to cushion the effects of flooding on affected families.
She explained that the distribution exercise was being carried out in collaboration with local government council chairmen, traditional rulers, Community Development Committees (CDCs) and other community representatives to ensure that the most vulnerable and severely affected residents received assistance.
The Deputy Governor acknowledged the hardship caused by the floods and stated the government’s commitment to providing support to affected communities across the state.
Prof. Odu, however, emphasized that the relief materials were temporary measures intended to alleviate the immediate suffering of affected families, while the government continued to pursue sustainable solutions to the recurring flooding challenge.
She urged residents to support government efforts by avoiding activities that contribute to flooding, particularly the blockage of drainage channels and waterways.
The committee chairman observed that while some flooding incidents were caused by natural factors, including the state’s topography, others resulted from human activities.
In his response, the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Dr. Thomas Bariere, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Daniel Doorka, assured residents that the relief materials provided by the state government would be distributed to those most in need.
Bariere expressed appreciation to the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for his support for flood-affected residents in Khana Local Government Area.
He also commended the Deputy Governor and the Rivers State Flood Prevention and Management Committee for their efforts to provide relief to affected communities.
Similarly, the Chairman of Gokana Local Government Council, Hon. Confidence Yima Deko, represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Dugbor Baritoesan, commended the Governor and his deputy for their efforts to assist residents affected by the recent flooding in the state.
He noted that the intervention demonstrated the state government’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of flood victims and addressing the challenges confronting affected communities.
- Benebo is the Information/Public Relations Officer, Office of the Deputy Governor, Rivers State.
