To avert a reoccurrence of the devastating 2022 flooding, Rivers State has asked the Federal Government to build buffer dams in the state.
The demand was made through the state`s ministry of works by its press secretary, Mr Paul Bazia, on Thursday.
The press secretary while responding to questions on flood prevention and conditions of drainage systems after the flooding incidence in the state told NatureNews that the Federal Government should build buffet dams in the state to prevent future floods.
NatureNews.Africa recalls that in 2022, floods sacked residents of communities in four local government areas of Rivers State.
The communities mostly located along the sea banks of Orashi River and its tributaries, are located in Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, Ahoada-West and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government areas of the state.
In Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area alone, over 20 communities were submerged by the flood.
Responding to the conditions of drainage systems after 2022 floods, Bazia said that the drainage systems built in the state are in good condition and the ministry is also ensuring measures to clean drainage systems and prepare them for this year.
He said that the floods that affected Ahoada and Abua is not because of blocked drainage systems but on the part of the Federal government to provide buffer dams in order to ameliorate the situation.
Bazia said, “The permanent solution to stop floods in Ahoada, Abua and other communities affected is for the Federal Government to build buffer dams.
“These communities are located along the sea banks of Orashi River and constructing buffer dams will give room for large reservoirs to reduce the effects of downstream flooding.”
He said the ministry had already started working on cleaning the drains and canals routinely.
“We started cleaning drains last year and this year, we are going to continue by monitoring those we have cleaned and ensuring that they are cleared and properly discharged,” he said.
Also speaking to an environmental stakeholder and Professor of Sociology of Development in the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Sofiri Peterside, urged the Federal Government and Rivers State government to take proactive steps in ensuring that there are flood mitigation plans.
Peterside told NatureNews.Africa on Thursday, using Peter Odili Road as an example, urged the state government that the drainage systems available also needs to be expanded.
“If you look at Peter Odili Road, the drainage systems are small. It was initially constructed when it was purely a residential area but now, companies for industrial purposes and estate developers are now in the area. The road and drainage systems need to be expanded.
“This is the time to start preparing for flood. In the Western climes, preparations are already ongoing. Our country should learn from them,” he said.
He urged that drainage systems should be constructed and maintenance culture should also be established.
Also, a cross section of residents in the streets of Port Harcourt also told NatureNews.Africa that the present administration had tried to construct roads and drainage systems but more drainage systems need to be constructed especially rural areas that are prone to flood.
Samuel Chisa, a resident of Rumoula, said that he is from Ahoada West, one of the LGAs affected by floods. He said some places in his community was submerged by flood and properties were destroyed as well as displacement of persons.
He said that there are roads and drainage systems but “I don’t think there are enough to contain reoccurring flood cases.”
Another resident via a telephone call, told NatureNews that he lives in Abua, also one of the LGAs affected by floods. He narrated that the impact of the flood on his family was much.
He also informed that some drainage systems had been blocked by refuse, hence affecting flow of water.
“If there are enough sanitation practice in Abua whereby drainage systems are cleaned regularly, it will also help,“ he said.
He urged the state government to “do all they can to avert flood in 2023.”