Chinedum Treasure
People of Ohita community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State have lamented prevailing flooding ravaging the area.
The residents said they have lost properties and farmlands to the deluge, calling on both State and federal governments to find permanent solution to the menace.
Speaking through President General, Sir Emma Obi, during visit of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) officials who were on inspection tour to the area, the locals appreciated government interventions, including palliatives, but described such measures as only temporary.
Obi who doubles as Chairman of Ogbaru PGs said construction of dams and embankment at the river bank would go a long way to preventing the menace.
He said, “We’ve lost several buildings and farmlands. Most of the buildings, especially in Odekpe have been submerged by flood. But here in Ohita, it’s a little bit upland. But no one can guarantee what will happen if the rain persists.
“It wasn’t like this before. Our forefathers didn’t witness this kind. We only witnessed this in 30 to 40years. But since 2012 till date, it has been a reoccurring problem.
“We thank various government agencies that always alert us ahead of time to prepare to relocate to IDP camps and other safer grounds.
“But a typical Ogbaru man doesn’t like leaving his house to IDP camps. They wouldn’t mind using blocks to raise their beds to sleep on top of water.
“We’re begging government to see what they can do to bring everlasting and permanent solutions to the flood. All these palliatives can’t solve our problems.
“If they can build dam or embankment at the river bank, I think it can go a long way to preventing this challenge because it’s becoming alarming.”
Director General, NOA, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu said the visit was a proactive measure targeted at minimizing impact of flooding in the state.
The DG, represented by Director Planning, Research and Strategy, Nuru Yusuf Kobi urged victims to assist the government by complying to necessary preventive measures to minimize risks and damages ocassioned by the scourge.
He said, “As part of DG flood sensitization evaluation team, we’re here to convey the message of the Agency about the release of Cameron dam of about 5million cubic meters of water daily.
“We’re expecting the water level from Rivers Niger and Benue to increase which usually brings with it flooding.
“We want to be proactive that’s why we’re here to sensitize those living around riverine areas to get prepared to move to safer side ahead of the flood.
“We don’t want a repeat of 2012 and and 2022 where we lost over 600,000 people and over 10,000 houses were submerged.
“We’ve been to Lokoja, Benin and here, we’ll continue to Nasarawa and Benue. Other teams are also covering other affected states”
State Director, Ajegbu Edozie said his Agency had deployed officers with responsibility of daily mobilization and orientation of residents of the flood prone communities on steps expected of them to reduce impact of flooding in the area.
“We have officers on ground called Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMO) who move around, urging people to eschew actions that can escalate the flood, including pouring refuses in drainages which can block free flow of water,” he added.
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