Some landlords in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital have expressed concern over the collapse of some newly constructed internal roads following poor drainages.
The landlords under the aegis of ‘Rumuokania 11, New Layout Landlords Association by Location, Ada George, Port Harcourt’ made the appeal at a media briefing on Sunday in Port Harcourt.
The group’s Chairman, Mr Joel Gbandi, who spoke on behalf of the association noted with dismay the adverse affects of a dysfunctional canal on the newly constructed Rumuoke/Pipeline internal roads.
The measure, he said, if not nipped in the bud would expose affected areas to gully erosion and subject residents and livelihoods to an existential threat.
The chairman however, commended Governor Siminalaye Fubara’s commitments to infrastructure development and economic prosperity as he proffered solutions to community based problems.
According to him, completion of major internal roads in Rumuoke/Pipeline axis had returned normalcy to the once neglected area.
Read also:
- Governor Fubara reaffirms continued funding support for Rivers State University
- Female househelp stabs girl to death, commits suicide in Rivers
- Rivers open for business, investor-friendly, says Commissioner
”Prior to delivery of these internal roads by the governor, the area had been flood prone with several business struggling to survive as a result of bad roads.
”While we commend the governor for this impactful project, we wish to draw his attention to an emerging issue that poses a threat to the durability of this critical road infrastructure.
“There is a major canal which is currently blocked, it used to be a vital waterway, traversing several communities.
” If the canal is not quickly desilted, several communities including Rumuokania, Mgbraja, Ogbogoro, Egbelu, Elioparanwo, Mini-Orlu would be at the risk of erosion and flooding.
”We urge the governor to fastrack desilting of the canal to protect the roads from being washed away by flash flood occasioned by the rains,” he said.
