Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika who represented the
Administrator of Rivers, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd).
By Dianabasi Effiong
The Administrator of Rivers, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) says his administration is working to mobilise resources for an improved flood management system in the State by establishing the Rivers State Emergency Management Agency.
Ibas made this known during a sensitisation campaign of the Central Working Committee on Flood Management and Control at the Dr Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port Harcourt on Friday.
According to him, the agency will take over the responsibilities of the Central Working Committee on Emergency Preparedness, Flood Management, and Control in the State.
He said that the government would engage the Federal Government and international partners to mobilise resources for improved flood management systems, covering pre-flood measures, interventions during flooding, and post-flood recovery projects, as well as early warning infrastructure.
Ibas said the initiative formed part of the state’s proactive strategy to mitigate flooding through awareness, prevention, preparedness, and community participation.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika, the Administrator urged the committee to go beyond responding to disasters and instead anticipate vulnerable areas, reduce the impact of flooding, and equip residents with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves.
He added that the state would enforce environmental laws to curb indiscriminate refuse disposal, illegal dumping, and construction on floodplains, which worsen flooding incidents.
He said that effective flood management required collaboration between the public sector, local communities, civil society, and the private sector, as government alone would not tackle the challenge.
