Flooding: Rivers begins evacuation of refuse from drains

The Rivers State Government said it had started clearing refuse from the drains and natural water paths believed to be responsible for the flooding that had ravaged some of its communities.

Mr Desmond Akanwor, the Administrator of Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority (GPHCDA), said this on Thursday in Port Harcourt.

He said that the authority would also demolish illegal structures that had blocked free flow of water during the exercise in a statement.

“GPHCDA is embarking on immediate clearing of blocked drainage systems and water paths following reports of flooding in recent times.

“Recent flooding witnessed in Rukpoku and Eneka communities among others was as a result of indiscriminate dumping of refuse and construction of buildings on the water ways.

“Residents around the authority’s area of jurisdiction are warned to desist as their actions had contributed to the blockage of flow of flood,” he said.

Akanwor urged the public to liaise with the authority to avoid constructing structures on water paths.