In Rumuokwachi and Ogbogoro, floodwater is constantly swallowing roads and surrounding homes after every heavy rainfall especially during the rainy season.
Across the affected communities, a growing number of people are pointing to a combination of blocked drainage channels and ongoing road construction activities as major contributors to the worsening floods.
At the centre of the concerns is a drainage canal that serves Ogbogoro, Rumuokwachi and several neighbouring communities. Residents say the canal, which should channel stormwater away from the area, has remained obstructed despite repeated calls for intervention. During heavy rainfall, water that would ordinarily flow through the drainage system instead backs up into streets, compounds and businesses, leaving residents to deal with the consequences.
The situation has become even more concerning with the ongoing construction of the Ring Road and related infrastructure projects within the axis, which has been left unattended to in months. While many residents acknowledge the long-term benefits the project is expected to bring, they argue that the current phase of construction has disrupted existing drainage pathways and worsened flooding in some locations.
Also see: PRESS RELEASE
For many community members, development should not come at the cost of accessibility and safety. Road construction is expected to improve transportation, stimulate economic growth and open up communities. However, where drainage systems are not completed alongside road projects, the result can be devastating. Excavated sections, altered water channels and unfinished drainage components can trap large volumes of rainwater, turning roads into rivers and making movement nearly impossible.
The effects are visible after almost every significant rainfall. Commercial activities slow down as customers struggle to access businesses. Motorists abandon flooded routes. Schoolchildren and workers are forced to wade through dirty water. Families worry about damage to their homes and belongings.
The Ring Road project is widely regarded as an important investment in the future of Rivers State. What residents are asking for is balance. They want development that takes into account the realities of the communities it passes through. They want drainage systems that are functional, canals that are properly cleared, and construction plans that prevent rather than intensify flooding.
The residents of Rumuokwachi and Ogbogoro , are continuously calling out on the government to come to their aid.
Flooding caused solely by nature may be difficult to prevent. Flooding caused by blocked drainage systems and unresolved infrastructure challenges is not.
