The Mayor of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Sir Allwell Ihunda, has ordered the immediate suspension of dredging activities in Ozuboko Community following complaints that the operations contributed to recent flooding in the area.
During an inspection of flood-affected communities on Tuesday, the mayor assessed the impact of the heavy rainfall and warned developers against building on natural waterways and drainage channels, stressing that violators would face legal action.
Residents blamed the flooding on ongoing dredging activities, while representatives of the dredging company attributed the problem to the encroachment of waterways by some property owners. However, community members rejected the claim, insisting the area had been sand-filled without adequate drainage.
Following the inspection, Ihunda directed the suspension of all dredging operations and announced plans to convene a meeting with community leaders and the company to find a lasting solution to the flooding challenge.
The mayor also visited flood-prone areas in the Elekahia axis, including the blocked drainage system at the Orogbum Primary Healthcare Centre, where he assured residents that the council would immediately clear blocked drains and strengthen flood-control measures across the city.
