By Kelechi Esogwa-Amadi
Amidst the latest warnings by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) about this year’s looming flood, some residents of Oyigbo living in the western axis of the area are lamenting over the menacing threat posed by flooding.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, the residents complained that the recurrent flood in the area has made life uncomfortable for them, adding that most of their roads are impassable whenever it rains.
“We’re facing a terrible situation here. Flood is locking us up; especially when rain falls, we find it difficult to access the road. Many people can’t even open their shops again because of flooding and no customers. People are relocating. It’s really a serious situation,” one of the residents, a teacher, lamented.
He expressed disappointment that despite several outcries and complaints over the plight in recent years, the government has yet to come to their aid.
“This thing happens almost every year, especially during the rainy season. We have cried, complained, and even begged for help, but still nothing is happening. The government is silent, nobody’s responding, and people are suffering. All this Oyigbo West, both Graceland Avenue, Poultry, Oyigbo Road, it’s the same thing. Please we’re still begging; let them come and help us,” he pleaded.
Another resident, Anayo Ikeoha, blamed poor drainage and congestion for incessant flooding in the area. He called for prompt action to combat the menace.
“If the government had constructed deep gutters and a good drainage system, this flood would not be happening. It’s the lack of proper planning and construction that is causing it.
“And the landlords who bought land and built houses also contributed to the problem. They won’t do proper mapping and water channels so that when rain falls it will follow the channel. All that hurry to build, who is suffering it now? I think it’s all of us.
“Some of them have abandoned their houses and shops. That’s why everybody should come and join hands to call the government to come and solve this problem. We have suffered too much because of it. We’re still in the rainy season, so what are we going to do?
“We have not recovered from last year’s own, and we’re hearing that the main flood is coming. If that Cameroon water is coming as they’re telling us now, how are we going to survive it?
“Please, let the local government and state government come to our rescue before it’s too late. Look at me, where am staying now is not my house. Am squatting with my brother because this place is a bit better. But for how long shall we be running away from our houses because of the flood? Please we need help,” he cried.
Recall that NEMA, South-South Zone, had called on the authorities of flood-impacted LGAs in Rivers State to set up mechanisms for the management of the impending flood and its effects, suggesting early establishment of IDP camps.
Efforts by TPCN to hear from the Oyigbo chairman on
Plans to tackle the flood menace in the western part of the LGA were not successful at the time of doing this report.
