The Rivers State Government has commenced the payment of ₦200,000 to identified flood victims in affected communities as part of efforts to provide immediate relief and develop long-term solutions to flooding.
Owupele Benebo meaia aide to the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the State Flood Prevention and Management Committee, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, said she disclosed this on Friday while addressing flood victims from Rukpokwu at Government House, Port Harcourt.
According to her, Governor Siminalayi Fubara had directed the committee to intensify relief efforts by revisiting severely affected communities, distributing relief materials and providing financial assistance to victims.
She explained that the money was being transferred directly into beneficiaries’ personal bank accounts to prevent third-party interference and ensure that the funds reached the intended recipients.
“This is to let you know that we have a compassionate Governor who cares about issues affecting the people, especially the downtrodden,” she said.
The deputy governor noted that flooding had severely affected parts of Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt City Local Government Areas, forcing some residents to use canoes to access their homes.
She added that the government was developing long-term measures to channel floodwaters into designated canals, with work expected to begin after the water receded.
Odu also said affected residents would receive healthcare support through the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme, enabling them to access medical services free of charge.
She commended the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for deploying a team to the state and appealed to the Federal Government and other relevant agencies for additional assistance.
Some beneficiaries, including Mrs Precious Uzoka, Muritala Sanusi and Chinedu James Asonye, expressed gratitude to the state government, describing the financial assistance as unprecedented in their community’s history.
