The Rivers State Government has distributed food and non-food relief materials to residents affected by flooding in Khana and Gokana Local Government Areas as part of efforts to alleviate their suffering.
The Deputy Governor and Chairman of the State Flood Prevention and Management Committee, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, disclosed this during the distribution of the items to the chairmen of the two local government areas at the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder (NNS Pathfinder) operational base in Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday.
Owupele Benebo, media aide to the Deputy Governor, said Odu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, explained that the intervention was aimed at cushioning the effects of flooding on affected families.
According to her, the distribution was being carried out in collaboration with local government chairmen, community chiefs, Community Development Committees (CDCs) and other community representatives to ensure that the most vulnerable residents received assistance.
The Deputy Governor noted that the government recognised the hardship caused by flooding and remained committed to supporting affected communities across the state.
She, however, described the relief materials as temporary measures, noting that the government was continuing to pursue lasting solutions to the recurring flooding problem.
Odu also urged residents to support government efforts by avoiding activities that contribute to flooding, particularly the obstruction of drainage channels and waterways.
She observed that while some flooding incidents were caused by natural factors, including the state’s topography, others resulted from human activities.
In his response, the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Dr. Thomas Bariere, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Daniel Doorka, assured that the relief materials would be distributed to residents who needed them most.
Bariere expressed appreciation to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the intervention and commended the Deputy Governor and the Flood Prevention and Management Committee for providing relief to affected communities.
Similarly, the Chairman of Gokana Local Government Council, Hon. Confidence Yima Deko, represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Dugbor Baritoesan, commended Governor Fubara and his deputy for their efforts to assist residents affected by the recent flooding.
He said the intervention demonstrated the state government’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of flood victims and addressing the challenges confronting affected communities.
