Flood sacks residents of highbrow Ngozika Estate in Awka

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By Madu Obi

Flood occasioned by torrential rainfall has destroyed properties of many residents of the highbrow Ngozika Estate, in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

Ngozika, which is one of the well planned residential areas of Awka, houses top government officials and other rich people in the state.

Although eight local government areas of Anambra State are listed as flood prone areas of the state, Awka South where Ngozika Estate is located,is not among them.

Following a downpour on Monday night, many families were woken up by flood in their apartments, which destroyed properties estimated at hundreds of millions of naira.

It was discovered that the flood was caused by blocked drainages in the area, with the affected residents saying that they have been paying their sanitation fees consistently.

Most of the families sacked by the flood are currently squatting with friends and families in safe areas of the state capital, while those who could afford it have relocated to hotels.

One of the affected residents said: “We have moved out of our home into a hotel. Everything we own has been submerged by flood and we are currently homeless. We are calling on 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 my family last night and you won't believe what I saw. Our whole properties have been damaged by water, while many of them are missing.

I do not know where to start from. Many people in the Estate are affected and in the hotel where I have moved with my family, there are many of us. In fact, five other families are staying in this hotel.

As I speak, it is planning to rain again and I am afraid the flood will do more damage."

She said the residents have already called the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for assistance, although no help has come.