Landlords in Port Harcourt have called on the government to take urgent action to prevent the collapse of newly constructed internal roads, which they say are threatened by a poor drainage system.
The landlords, under the aegis of the Rumuokania II New Layout Landlords Association by Location, Ada George, Port Harcourt, made the appeal during a media chat in Port Harcourt.
They expressed concern that the situation may lead to severe hardship if left unattended, and urged the authorities to intervene promptly.
Chairman of the association, Mr. Joel Gbandi, who read the appeal, lamented the negative impact of a blocked water canal on the newly constructed internal roads.
He warned that the blockage could expose the affected areas to erosion and put residents and their livelihoods at risk if not addressed.
While commending Gov. Siminalayi Fubara for his commitment to infrastructural development and efforts to solve community-based problems, Gbandi stressed the need to safeguard ongoing projects.
“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, Rumuevorlu, among others.
“We urge the government to fast-track the desilting of the affected canal and protect the roads from being washed away by flash floods during the rains,” he said.
