The Obio/Akpor Local Council in Rivers State has intensified its campaign against illegal structures and roadside trading, citing concerns over flooding, traffic congestion, blocked drainage channels and public safety.

The exercise, which covers Rumuosi, Rumuokoro, Aluu, Eleme Junction and the Obiri-Ikwerre axis, among other areas, is aimed at reclaiming public spaces, clearing drainage channels and curbing indiscriminate refuse disposal.

The enforcement follows recent flooding in Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt, which displaced residents and damaged properties and businesses.

Blocked drains, refuse dumps and structures obstructing waterways have been identified as factors contributing to the problem.

Although the clearing of the Rumuokoro canal has reportedly eased flooding in the area, communities including Rumuekini, Rumukpoku and Eneka continue to grapple with floodwaters.

The operation, directed by the council chairman, Dr Gift Worlu, also seeks to improve access roads, ease traffic congestion and address security concerns associated with unauthorised structures on government property.

The chairman of the New Democratic Front in Obio/Akpor and supervisor of the exercise, Obi Amadi, said a final announcement was made on Friday before the enforcement began.

He said similar operations had been carried out around the University of Port Harcourt and in Ozuoba, Rumuekpe, Rumuodara, Rumuigbo, Obiri-Ikwerre and Rumuokoro. Other areas covered by the wider exercise include Rumuomasi, Rumuosi, Aluu and Eleme Junction.

Amadi said the campaign was also intended to address the growing use of road shoulders, drainage channels and other public spaces for commercial activities, which restricts movement and impedes the flow of rainwater.

“In busy areas, roadside stalls and the display of goods on drainage channels can reduce available road space, contribute to congestion and obstruct the flow of rainwater,” he said.

The team leader and coordinator of the University of Port Harcourt Joint Task Force under the Obio-Akpor Government Sanitation Authority, Edward Monday, said the council had repeatedly notified occupants of temporary structures along roads and on government property to remove them.

He said the demolition followed earlier visits to the affected areas, including an inspection on Friday involving the university’s chief security officer, the police area commander and the area police sanitation team.

Monday attributed part of the flooding problem to trading activities around drainage channels, waterways and canals, warning that obstructions could prevent rainwater from flowing freely.

He said the council was determined to prevent a recurrence of flooding linked to blocked drainage infrastructure, adding that the operation was also intended to ease traffic congestion around UniPort Junction.

The task force coordinator further described some of the structures as potential security risks, arguing that concealed spaces could provide hiding places for criminal suspects.

The council urged affected traders to relocate to designated markets rather than occupy roads, drainage channels and university property.

However, the success of the campaign will depend on sustained monitoring and enforcement to prevent traders and occupants from returning after the demolition teams leave.