Residents of Rumuokwachi in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State may soon get relief from the flooding that disrupted activities in the community after a major drainage channel was opened.
According to a resident identified simply as Queen Sonia, the drainage was opened on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, allowing the floodwater to gradually flow towards the Ogbogoro River.
The development comes after severe flooding affected Rumuokwachi, Ozuoba and neighbouring communities following heavy rainfall, leaving parts of the Rumuokwachi/Ozuoba Link Road and other areas submerged.
Queen Sonia, while giving an update on the situation, expressed appreciation to residents, individuals and organisations that raised awareness about the flooding and drew attention to the challenges faced by those in the affected communities.
She said the opening of the drainage has already started improving the situation as floodwater continues to flow out of the affected areas.
“The drainage has been opened as of yesterday, and the floodwater is now flowing through to the Ogbogoro River,” she said.
According to her, the development represents an important step towards bringing relief to residents who have been dealing with the effects of the flooding.
She added that the Rivers State Commissioner for Works has indicated that further work would be carried out on the drainage during the dry season.
Sonia also noted that the water is currently receding gradually and expressed optimism that residents would be able to return fully to their normal activities from Monday next week if the situation continues to improve.
“At the moment, the water is gradually flowing out,” she said.
The latest development follows concerns raised by residents over the flooding and the condition of the drainage network serving parts of Rumuokwachi, Ozuoba and surrounding communities.
