Landlords in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have raised fresh concerns over the condition of newly constructed internal roads in the area, urging the state government to urgently intervene before the situation worsens.
Speaking under the banner of the Rumuokania II New Layout Landlords Association by Location Ada George Port Harcourt the group warned that a poorly functioning drainage system poses a serious threat to the longevity of the roads and the safety of residents.
During a media chat, the Chairman of the association, Mr. Joel Gbandi, explained that a major canal that once served as an important waterway connecting several communities, including Rumuokania, Mgbraja, Ogbogoro, Egbelu, Elioparanwo, Mini Orlu, and Rumue Vorlu, has become completely blocked.
He said the blockage has already begun to impact water flow, increasing the risk of erosion, flooding, and eventual road collapse if left unchecked.
Gbandi commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for ongoing infrastructural improvements but stressed the need for rapid desilting of the canal to protect both the roads and residents’ livelihoods.
He warned that without urgent government action, the community could soon face avoidable hardships, especially during heavy rains.
In a related development, the Chairman of Ikole Local Government Area in Ekiti State, Mr. Bayo Omojola, has cautioned residents against indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainage channels.
During an unscheduled visit to Oja Oba market and nearby motor parks he observed that blocked drains caused by improper waste disposal remain a major contributor to flooding in the area.
Omojola warned that offenders will face sanctions under state environmental laws and urged residents to make proper use of waste bins or register with the Waste Management Board to ensure regular refuse collection.
