The Rivers State Ethnic Youth Leaders Coalition (RSEYLC) has blamed construction giants, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for the massive flood experienced in parts of Port Harcourt.
President of RSEYLC, Comrade Legborsi Yamaabana, who visited some of the affected areas aver that the major cause of the flood is the inability of the company to carryout feasibility study before embarking on construction of roads and flyovers in the State as practiced globally.
Some floods ravaged areas includes Woji Road, Hospital Road, Mgbuoba NTA Road, Diobu, D/line, Olu Obasanjo Road, parts of GRA and adjoining areas, where a large number of houses were submerged and residents trapped in their homes by the rising flood water.
He alleged that, “the estwhile Rivers State Commissioner for Environment was fired for daring to question Julius Berger’s ‘reckless’ construction without conducting Environmental Impact Assessment. Also, the Rivers State Ethnic Youth Leaders Coalition was persecuted and called all manner of names by the State Government for making similar demand from the company”.
The group said the flood that is ravaging the state is just a tip of the iceberg, adding that it will persist as long as the State Government continues to protect Julius Berger and pay lip service to the conduct of the company.