Landlords in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, have called on government to take urgent action to prevent the collapse of some newly constructed internal roads, following what they described as poor drainage system.
The landlords spoke under the aegis of “Rumuokania 11, New Layout Landlords Association by Location, Ada George, Port Harcourt”, at a media chat in Port Harcourt.
They expressed worries that the situation mày cause harships if left unchecked, and appealed to goverment to come to the rescue.
Chairman of the association, Mr. Joel Gbandi, who read the appeal, noted with dismay the worrisome impact of a blocked water canal on the newly constructed Internal roads.
He expressed fear that the blockage could expose affected areas to erosion and subject residents and their livelihoods to threat, if not tackled.
While commending Gov. Siminalaye Fubara’s for his commitment to infrastuctural development following solutions to community-based problems, he underscored the need to prevent a collapse of infrastructures.
”While we commend the governor for this impactful project, we wish to draw his attention to an emerging issue that poses a threat to the durability of this critical road infrastructure.
“There is a major canal which is currently blocked; it used to be a vital waterway, traversing several communities, including Rumuokania, Mgbraja, Ogbogoro, Egbelu, Elioparanwo, Mini-Orlu, Rumue-vorlu amongst others.
“We urge the government to fast-track desilting of affected canal and protect the roads from being washed away by flash flood during the rains,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Mr. Bayo Omojola, on Sunday, December 7, 2025, warned residents to desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drains, or prepare to face sanctions.
Omojola gave the warning when he paid an unscheduled visit to the Oja Oba’s market and motor parks in Ikole-Ekiti.
Adressing the media after taking a tour round the market, the Chairman warned residents against disposing and burning of refuse in the drainage, adding that culprits will be made to face the law.
He noted that some of the refuse being dispose in the drains, often blocked the waterways, thereby causing flood in the community.
“Any individual caught dumping refuse in drains or dredged waterways, will be punished according to the State Environmental Law.
“The State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, worked hard to ensure that every part of Ekiti does not experience flood during the rainy season.
“It is our duty as good indigenes of Ekiti, to curb indiscriminate dumping of refuse so that whenever the rainy season comes, we will all have peace of mind.
“I want all the local Environmental officers to be vigilant, any shop owner who dumps refuse in any of the drains should be punished according to the State Environmental Laws,” he said.
He, consequently, urged residents to always dispose their refuse in the waste bins or register with the Waste Management Board, for regular collection of their refuse at affordable cost.
By Ikuru Lizzy and Adedeji Egbebi