Landlords in Port Harcourt have called on the government to take urgent action to prevent the collapse of newly constructed internal roads, citing poor drainage.

The landlords spoke under the aegis of ‘Rumuokania 11, New Layout Landlords Association by Location, Ada George, Port Harcourt’, at a media chat in Port Harcourt.

They expressed concern that the situation may cause hardships if left unchecked and appealed to the government to come to the rescue.

Chairman of the association, Joel Gbandi, who read the appeal, noted with dismay the worrisome impact of a blocked water canal on the newly constructed Internal roads.

He expressed fear that the blockage could expose affected areas to erosion and threaten residents and their livelihoods if not tackled.

While commending Governor Siminalaye Fubara for his commitment to infrastructural development and to addressing community-based problems, he underscored the need to prevent the collapse of infrastructure.

”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, Rumue-vorlu, amongst others.

”We urge the government to fast-track desilting of the affected canal and protect the roads from being washed away by flash flood during the rains,” he said.