The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Rivers State Chapter, has called on the Rivers State Government to take urgent steps to tackle flooding in the state.
The association commended the state government under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara for providing relief materials to flood victims, while noting that more needs to be done.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman, Cyril Dum Wite, and Secretary, Comrade Tonye Orabere JP.
SWAN Rivers appealed to the government to provide temporary accommodation for victims, especially journalists who were badly affected, to enable them relocate their families, as many are currently squatting in uncompleted buildings that pose danger to their lives.
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“We appeal to the state government to temporarily alleviate the suffering of the flood victims by providing accommodation, most especially to journalists who were badly affected.
“We also appeal that the government should mobilise industrial pumping machines to the affected areas to evacuate the floodwater. This will help residents fumigate their houses and return,” the statement said.
The association also called for provision of healthcare facilities, noting that many victims are developing cold, pneumonia and arthritis. It appealed to landlords to collect three months rent from victims and urged government to provide stipends to help them reactivate their businesses.
For a permanent solution, SWAN said the government should muster the willpower to demolish buildings on drainage channels and construct canals at strategic locations to prevent future flooding.
