|
Listen to article
|
The torrential rains that fell last Monday night resulted in significant flooding, displacing more than a dozen families from their homes in Ngozika Estate, located in Awka, the capital of Anambra State.
While Anambra State was previously recognized as a potential flood zone for this year, specific local government areas have been identified as particularly at risk. Residents in these susceptible regions have been advised to relocate to safer places, and IDP camps have been set up to accommodate those facing hardship.
Known for its upscale living conditions, Ngozika Estate in Awka is generally considered safe from the flood-prone local government areas; however, the tranquility was shattered last Monday as residents mournfully wailed while floodwaters surged into their compounds, creating chaos throughout the state.
The majority of families forced from their homes by the flood are now staying with friends and family in safer neighborhoods, while wealthier residents have chosen to relocate to hotels, highlighting Ngozika Estate’s status as a preferred area for privileged individuals in the state.
A resident of the area, Mrs. Joy Udoka, told the press that: “We have moved out of our home into a hotel. Everything we own have been submerged by flood, and we are currently homeless.
We are calling on the Anambra State government to come to our aid because we are suffering.
“This morning (Tuesday), I just came to our house to inspect the place, after neighbours helped to evacuate me and the children last night, and you won’t believe what I saw. Our whole property have been damaged by water, and many of them missing.
“I currently do not know where to start from. We are not the only ones affected, in the hotel where my children and I are staying, there are about five other families that are staying there.
“As I speak with you, it might rain again, and I am afraid for myself and my family. We are calling on Governor Soludo to come to our aid.”
It has been reported that the owner of the plot is a widow residing in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. At one point, the Anambra State Government had instructed her to develop the land in order to alleviate flooding in the vicinity. She initially agreed to the proposal, but after a year of inaction, the government warned her that it would revoke her land rights. However, she sought assistance from a bishop in the Onitsha area, who subsequently reached out to Governor Soludo on her behalf, resulting in her being allowed to retain the property.
It has come to light that the owner of the problematic plot is a widow based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The Anambra State Government had once instructed her to develop the land to help reduce flooding issues in the surrounding area.
While she agreed to the government’s request, a year of inactivity led to warnings that her land rights would be revoked. Seeking assistance, she approached a bishop in Onitsha, who subsequently contacted Governor Soludo on her behalf, resulting in her being permitted to keep the land.
