Landlords in Port Harcourt have appealed to the Rivers State Government to urgently address drainage challenges in the city, warning that blocked canals threaten newly constructed internal roads and could trigger severe flooding.
Speaking on behalf of their association on Sunday, the Rumuokania 11 New Layout Landlords Association, Chairman Mr. Joel Gbandi said the obstruction of a major waterway spanning several communities—including Rumuokania, Mgbraja, Ogbogoro, Egbelu, Elioparanwo, Mini-Orlu, and Rumue-vorlu—poses a serious risk to road infrastructure and local livelihoods.
“The blocked canal has become a pressing concern.
”If left unattended, it could undermine the integrity of recently completed roads and expose residents to potential erosion and flooding during heavy rains,” Gbandi said.
While acknowledging Governor Siminalaye Fubara’s commitment to infrastructure development and community-focused projects, the landlords stressed the need to complement these efforts with proper drainage maintenance.
“We commend the government for its impactful road projects. However, to safeguard these investments, immediate desilting of the affected canals is essential to prevent flash floods from washing away the roads,” he added.
The association urged the state authorities to prioritise canal clearance as part of a proactive flood prevention strategy, emphasising that timely intervention would protect both infrastructure and residents’ safety.
This call comes ahead of the peak rainy season, a period when inadequate drainage has historically caused flooding and erosion in several urban communities.
