The Deputy Governor of Rivers State led the Rivers State Flood Prevention and Management Committee on an inspection of flood-affected areas in Eneka, then visited the palace of His Royal Highness, Eze Collins Ogwu III, in Rukpokwu, to distribute relief materials. During the visit, the Deputy Governor conveyed Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara’s greetings and commitment to the affected communities.
According to the Deputy Governor, Governor Fubara, who recently returned to the country, remains deeply concerned about the flooding’s impact and has directed the committee to roll out immediate, intensified measures to ease residents’ hardship. Speaking at the palace, the Deputy Governor assured affected residents that the administration shares in their pain and remains fully committed to their welfare.
The field inspection in Eneka reportedly uncovered significant technical issues contributing to the flooding, particularly the blocking and unauthorized alteration of existing waterways and canals. Having observed ongoing attempts to reclaim parts of a canal in Rumuomasi, the Deputy Governor warned that such illegal land reclamation would not be tolerated, given its role in worsening flood risk for neighbouring communities.
In New Jerusalem Estate, residents reportedly showed how floodwater had been improperly diverted from surrounding areas into the estate, submerging homes.
The Deputy Governor said these infractions would not be allowed to continue, and that full findings from the inspection would be presented to Governor Fubara. Following this, the Ministry of Works is expected to engage community leaders and estate management to begin restoring the original drainage channels. A joint investigation by the Ministries of Works and Environment will also look into the root causes of flooding across Rukpokwu, Eneka, and surrounding areas, to develop permanent engineering solutions.
In the meantime, the state government is distributing relief materials to affected families, and the Deputy Governor has ordered the rapid compilation of an accurate register of affected households to guide further assistance. The team is expected to return to the area on Friday with additional support as the broader assessment continues.
The Deputy Governor closed by urging residents to cooperate fully with state authorities, noting that recurring urban flooding is largely driven by blocked drainage systems and illegal construction along natural waterways, and called for collective effort to keep drainage channels clear. The administration, the statement said, remains committed under Governor Fubara’s leadership to taking all necessary steps to protect affected communities.
