The Senator representing Anambra Central in the National Assembly, Senator Uche Ekwunife today, Sunday visited Owelle-Aja Village, Obosi Urban in Idemili North Council Area of Anambra State, to ascertain the level of devastation wrecked by massive flooding experienced by residents.
The visit which was sequel to an SOS message sent to her by the people, was also to see how to attract government intervention to address the issue.
During the visit, it was observed that most of the buildings housing schools, industries, residential and worship houses have been submerged and inhabitants displaced while parts of the village were totally cut off by the flooding which measures up to the height of a bungalow.
Speaking after she went round the place, Senator Ekwunife who was received with joy by the residents, bemoaned the huge economic and social loss borne by the people due to the challenge and promised to escalate the matter at the Centre so as to attract Federal Government’s attention to the menace.
She promised write to the Governor of Anambra State to urgently intervene in the matter, as according to her, with a population of over 10,000 inhabitants, the area deserves all the help it could get from all government institutions.
“Our people have to develop the habit of holding government accountable. You must not allow politicians to use your votes and ascend to positions of authority and not meet the minimum responsibilities towards your welfare. That era is gone,” she said.
Senator Ekwunife further observed that structural developments in the area was not properly done, calling on the State to ensure that its contractors take cognizance of the environmental peculiarities of areas they are working on in the execution of the projects and also should properly supervise the contractors in terms of adherence to contractual terms.
Earlier while thanking Senator Ekwunife for responding to their call, the Chairman of the Village, Chief Edwin Muolokwu attributed the challenge to improper termination of drainage in area surrounding the village by Government.
He appealed to the Senator to use her contacts as a known achiever to bring solution to their plight.
Other residents of the village, Uzoma Obi and Mbagwu Chimaroke noted that the problem which has persisted for over 5 years now, has defied all the self-help efforts of the village, noting that they now live in constant fear due to the challenge.
Recall that on July 18, 2019 Senator Ekwunife while moving a motion of Urgent National Importance on the devastating storm in Obosi, Nkpor and Oraukwu communities of Anambra State prayed the Senate to mandate the Ecological Fund Office to visit the affected flooded areas in Nkpor, Oraukwu and Obosi to provide remedy and advance solutions to the erosion menace in the areas. She also urged the Senate to direct the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials and support to the communities.
