By Precious Ahiakwo
Rivers State House of Assembly Adhoc Committee on Flooding has hinted that preparations are in top gear to ensure that lives and properties are saved in case of flooding in the state.
This is following the 2023 impending flood prediction by the Nigeria Metrological Agency (NIMET), which will affect 19 Local Government Areas in the state.
The Chairman of the adhoc committee on flooding, Hon. Linda Somiari Stewart told journalists that she has met with the Council Chairmen of the affected areas and concerned ministries and MDAs with the overall objective of reducing the vulnerability of those communities.
She said the preparations on ground will reduce the extent of damage after the flooding.
“The essence of the meeting was to know the pre, during and post preparations of those council chairmen with regards to the 2023 impending flood. On awareness and sensitization of the people in the affected areas, the Local Government Chairmen has briefed the committee on the level of their respective awareness campaigns which includes jingles on local dialects as being aired on various radio stations.”
She also hinted that as part of measures put in place, Internally Displaced Camps (IDP) have been identified and ready in the affected LGAs in readiness for the impending flooding.
Linda Somiari Stewart however, assured that the adhoc committee on flooding will continue to supervise them on the infrastructures on ground as well as oversee their activities while ensuring that interventions from State Government and corporate bodies are distributed adequately.
Speaking on behalf of the LGA chairmen, the Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Nengi Barasua assured that committees have been set up at the Local Government level to ensure that drainages are cleared.
The meeting also had the Commissioners for Health , Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh and commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Mrs Inime Chinwenwo Aguma in attendance.