Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Hon. Sam Atu, Member representing Enugu North and South Federal Constituency of Enugu State, has called on both the Federal and Enugu State Governments to provide relief materials to victims of flooding across the state.
Atu spoke against the backdrop of last weekend’s flooding, which submerged farmlands, animals, and economic activities in Obeagu, Ugwuaji community in Enugu South Local Government Area (LGA), and Obinagu, Akpugo community in Nkanu West LGA.
The flood damaged part of the federal power transmission infrastructure, tearing down sections of its perimeter fencing and sparking concerns over the safety and stability of the crucial facility.
Atu, in a statement issued to newsmen in Enugu, said that his thoughts and prayers were with the victims of the flood disaster.
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 overflows at that point, leading to flooding.
“If the existing bridge is reconstructed, it will help manage this annual disaster.”
Reacting, a community leader, Chief Uchenna Okafor, said that the consequences of the flooding were widespread, adding that commuters who depend on this route had been left stranded.
According to Okafor, the torrential rains that fell two days earlier also devastated farmlands, and residents 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,” he said.
Another resident, Mrs. Ijeoma Ogbu, said that it was worrisome that 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.
Ogbu said: “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.”
