Provide relief to Enugu flood victims, Fed. Lawmaker, Atu, urges FG, Enugu Govt

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By Iheanyi Chukwudi

Member representing Enugu North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Sam Atu, has made a passionate appeal to the Federal and Enugu State Governments to urgently come to the aid of victims of flooding in the state.

The Federal Lawmaker who called for the provision of relief materials to victims, disclosed that flood ravaged farmlands, animals and disrupted economic activities within Obeagu axis of Ugwuaji community in Enugu South Local Government and Obinagu axis of Akpugo community in Nkanu West Local Government after the weekend's downpours.

The said flood was observed to have damaged part of the Federal power transmission infrastructure; thus, tearing down sections of its perimeter fencing and sparking concerns over the safety and stability of the crucial facility.

In a statement released to newsmen in Enugu, on Tuesday, Atu stated that his thoughts and prayers are with victims of last weekend's flood at the boundary between Obeagu Ugwuaji and Akpugo communities.

He said, “I sympathise with those who lost their sources of livelihood. I am using this opportunity to call on the Federal Ministries of Works and Humanitarian Affairs to deal with this situation.

This incident is becoming a ritual because every year, water will overflow at that point leading to flooding. If the existing bridge is reconstructed, it will help manage this annual disaster.”

Collaborating the Lawmaker, a community leader in the area, Chief Uchenna Okafor, stressed that the consequences of the flooding are widespread, adding that commuters who depend on that route had been left stranded.

The torrential rains that fell two days earlier, Okafor said, also "devastated farmlands and we are struggling to recover from the shock and destruction.

The communities are making urgent appeals to both the Enugu State and Federal Governments for immediate help.

Residents are demanding relief materials for injured persons, farmers who lost livestock, and those whose farmlands and livelihoods have been destroyed."

A female resident, Mrs Ijeoma Ogbu, said that situation became more worrisome as the flooding struck right at the point where the road construction ends, just by the transmission power plant that provides electricity to the South-East.

She added, “Beyond crops, the flood dealt a devastating blow to livestock farmers. About 25 cattle, goats, and sheep belonging to a local herdsman were swept away by the raging waters — a heavy personal and economic loss for the farmer and the wider community.”