The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, has sought the assistance of the government at all levels, agencies, and individuals to help combat the flooding that is currently ravaging some parts of the country, particularly Anambra State.
He made the call on Thursday when he visited the IDP camps for flood victims in Onitsha North Local Government Area, which also housed displaced Anambra West residents. He also paid visits to IDP camps in Anambra East Local Government Area, including Umuoba Anam and Ekpe Nneyi, Umueri.
Soludo noted that the flood originated and surged from Cameroon, and he asked the Federal Government to engage in dialogue with the Cameroonian government in order to provide a long-term solution to the flood devastation, which he said had unfortunately become an annual occurrence.
The governor called for support to help alleviate the hardship faced by people displaced by flooding across the country at large and Anambra state in particular.
While empathising with the victims, he also expressed optimism that in the coming weeks, the flood would recede and they could go back to their respective homes.
He therefore, suggested the construction of dams or diversionary channels to help solve the problem.
He said, “Anambra State Government is doing everything possible to alleviate the sufferings of the people. They need support now and afterwards because their houses, properties and farmlands are submerged under water. I am worried that they will have to start life afresh.
“We are receiving people from Delta State to join IDP Camp in Onitsha North. Today alone, over 400 displaced persons have reported here,” Soludo noted.
“As Ndi Anambra, we are particularly concerned and disturbed about this flood crises. We have observed all you need to make your stay here minimally comfortable. As a government, we will try our best to provide power supply, foams, soaps, mosquito nets, medical care and others.”
“It is saddening that every year, people run away from their abode because of flooding. I have visited the clinic, cooking space and seen the damaged zincs and roofs that cause leakages when there is downpour. We shall support you.
“This crises affect all of us. Government will extend support and hopefully, within two weeks, the flood will subside. When you return to your homes, government will still come back to visit and assess your losses. We are willing to help restore all you have lost.”
The governor was later joined by the lawmaker representing Anambra East and West Federal Constituency, Chief Chinedu Obidigwe, who donated footballs for the children to play with.
