The Mayor of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Sir Allwell Ihunda, has issued a stern warning to property developers and individuals erecting structures on natural waterways and drainage channels, threatening full enforcement of sanctions against violators.
Sir Ihunda gave the warning on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, during an on-the-spot assessment of flood damage in Ozuboko Community, which was badly hit by heavy rainfall that devastated several parts of the city.
The Mayor observed ongoing dredging activities in the area, which residents identified as a major trigger for the flooding. He engaged with a representative of APS Aladivibo, the firm handling the dredging project.
The representative claimed adequate flood mitigation measures were in place before work began, alleging that some residents had encroached on designated waterways with buildings and structures.
Community members, however, rejected the claim, insisting that no proper drainage channels were provided. They accused the company of sand-filling the entire area without creating outlets for floodwater.
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The Mayor of Port Harcourt disclosed that the council had received official complaints and video evidence from residents showing extensive damage to homes, property, and livelihoods following the torrential rains of July 16.
“The videos I received clearly showed the devastating impact of the flood on the community. Many houses suffered serious damage, and urgent measures must be taken to ensure residents can continue to live safely in this area,” he said.
To avert further hardship, the Mayor directed the company to immediately suspend all dredging operations pending consultations with community leaders to find a lasting solution.
“For now, the company needs to suspend work. I will convene a meeting involving the community leaders and the company so that we can collectively identify and implement measures that will address this situation. The community cannot continue to suffer these losses,” Ihunda added.
During the same tour, the Mayor visited other flood-prone spots in the Elekahia axis, including a blocked drainage channel at Orogbum Primary Healthcare Centre, assuring residents of swift council intervention to clear drains and mitigate flooding across the city.
