Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, has called for immediate and decisive action to tackle the rising incidents of flash flooding across Rivers State, warning that any delay could lead to further loss of lives.
Speaking during plenary in a video shared on Echo 360 TV, Amaewhule emphasized the urgency of the situation, declaring, “We need to do so very, very fast. We can’t wait till we hear that someone else has died.” His statement came after a motion was raised on the increasing cases of flooding and the recent deaths recorded in some parts of Port Harcourt.
The Speaker described the flooding situation as a serious environmental emergency that requires collaboration between the Ministries of Environment and Urban and Regional Planning. He lamented that many drainage channels and canals across the state have been left unattended for years, making communities more vulnerable to flooding whenever it rains heavily.
Amaewhule directed the two ministries to immediately present a comprehensive plan to the House on how they intend to desilt and maintain the canals and drainage systems across the state. He also ordered the House Committees on Environment and Urban and Regional Planning to interface with the ministries and report back to the Assembly within two weeks.
The Speaker warned that government inaction would no longer be tolerated, stressing that there are sufficient funds available to address the problem. He said, “Rivers people cannot continue to die when there is money to fix these problems. Our government must act fast and ensure that our citizens are safe from these avoidable disasters.”
The motion, which was unanimously adopted by the House, aims to compel the relevant agencies to prioritize flood prevention and response measures across Rivers State. Amaewhule reaffirmed the Assembly’s resolve to hold the ministries accountable, insisting that tangible results must be seen within the shortest possible time.
He concluded that governance must be reflected through visible action, not promises, saying the safety and welfare of Rivers people must always come first. See, More, Here>>>>
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