Port Harcourt is on the verge of imminent flooding due to lack of proper water canals and inter-connected drainage systems within the city.
The plight of residents of Nkpolu in Obio-Akpor Local government area and a greater part of Oyigbo Local Government Area is an eye opener to the doom that might befall the state if nothing is done to address these issues.
Road construction in Port Harcourt is done without proper drainage systems that will channel rainwater away from residential areas, thereby forcing the water to float on the road surfaces and in effect, destroy the roads easily.
Theportcitynews.com recalls that years back, due to the opening of dams in faraway Cameroon, River Niger overflew its bank and caused flooding in many states in Nigeria that were in close proximity to the River.
Theportcitynews.com also recalls that states that boasted of well-connected drainage systems suffered less impact due to the flooding that would later ensure.
In as much as it is not the prayer of man for such natural disaster to occur, towns and indeed states are planned in anticipation that such disasters may be of imminent occurrence and adequate measures put in place to checkmate it.
The administration of Gov Nyesom Wike has declared zero potholes in the city of Port Harcourt. The administration should also make sure that gutters within the state capital and its environs are unclogged to ensure that rainwater is properly channeled to rivers and canals whenever it rains.
Theportcitynews.com is of the belief that the administration should pay adequate attention to Nkpolu area and Oyigbo as their case portends imminent danger to lives and property of those residing in the areas.
Theportcitynews.com believes that to ensure a proper understanding of the issues at hand, a committee should be set up to look at the issues, and access the areas in question and report back their findings for immediate action.
Theportcitynews.com believes that time is of utmost importance here, given the topography of the state.
Theportcitynews.com, in conclusion, believes that a central drainage system or at least, an inter-connected one, should be systematically planned and effected to save the state from imminent loss of lives and properties due to flooding.
