Hope Rises for Sustainable Solution to Flooding in Bonny as LG Chairman Inaugurates Technical Committee

September 14, 2025 Eve Afrique

Residents of Bonny Local Government Area in Rivers State, who have long struggled with flooding caused by heavy rainfall and tidal overflows, may soon find relief. This follows the inauguration of a seven-member Technical Committee on Drainage, Flood Management, and Control by the Bonny LGA Chairman, Abinye Pepple, on Thursday, September 11, 2025, in Bonny.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Wisdom Chapp-Jumbo, the Committee comprises Dr. Fubara Dan-Jumbo (Chairman), Tamunotonye Jumbo (Secretary), along with members Alali Irimagha, Emmanuel Hart, Timothy Green, James Igulazo, and Deegbara Austin.

While inaugurating the Committee, Chairman Pepple urged members to approach their task with professionalism and thoroughness, stressing that the goal is to secure a lasting solution to the area’s flooding and drainage issues. He emphasized that his administration is committed to a holistic and sustainable approach rather than the temporary “fire brigade” strategies used in the past. The Committee has been directed to study the challenges comprehensively and submit practical recommendations within 30 days.

“As a responsible government, we found it necessary to establish a team of professionals to address Bonny’s persistent flooding problems. Their task is to carefully review the situation and propose long-term solutions that will endure,” Pepple said.

He further disclosed that the LGA is considering collaborations with reputable construction firms, including Julius Berger, to ensure professional and standardized implementation.

Responding on behalf of the Committee, Chairman Dr. Fubara Dan-Jumbo thanked the LGA Chairman for the confidence placed in them. He described the assignment as an opportunity to serve the Bonny community.

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Dr. Dan-Jumbo noted that Bonny lies below sea level, making flooding a critical emergency. He assured residents that the Committee will provide sustainable solutions.

“We have a duty to engage stakeholders and recommend short, medium, and long-term measures. As an immediate step, we will deploy excavators to clear designated drainages and canals. This will show that the administration is taking action right away, even as we prepare a detailed report within the next 30 days,” he said.