By Praise Chinecherem
The Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONET), a human rights group, has empathized with communities and citizens affected by the current flooding, as a result of persistent rainfalls.
Comrade Azor who is also, a member of the governing Board of Anambra State Waste Management Agency (ASWAMA) made the statement to newsmen in the wake of Gov. Soludo’s visit to some of the IDP camps in the State.
He lamented the hardship and dislocation citizens are going through, and expressed his empathy and commiserations.
The Human rights advocate called on the President of the Federal Republic, Mohammadu Buhari to urgently come to the aid of the victims in order to ameliorate their pitiable conditions. “It’s the primary purpose of government to ensure security and welfare of citizens. The President swore to uphold this responsibility. And therefore, should act with dispatch before it’s too late” he said.
The Comrade also, implored well meaning citizens and development partners to rally round and support government efforts at tackling this obvious existential threat.
Recall that Anambra State, and indeed many parts of the country have been in the news for reported cases of flooding and its menace, submerging buildings and displacing many citizens.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, Christian Aburime in a release, states that “Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR has called for support by the National Emergency Management Agency, all levels of government, organizations and good-spirited individuals, to help alleviate the hardship faced by people displaced by the flooding, ravaging the Country at large and Anambra state in particular.
Governor Soludo made the call when he visited IDP Camps in Onitsha North Council Area, playing host to displaced persons from Anambra West and IDP camps at Umuoba Anam and Ekpe Nneyi, Umueri in Anambra East Council area.
According to the Governor, the flood water emanates and surges from Cameroon, asking the federal government to dialogue with the government of Cameroon, to profer lasting solution to the flood devastation which has unfortunately become an annual occurrence.
He however suggested that solutions like construction of dams or diversionary channels could help solve the problem.
“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’m 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.
He empathised with them, expressing optimsm that in the coming weeks, the flood will recede and they will find their way back to their respective homes.
“As Ndi Anambra, we are particularly concerned and disturbed about this flood crises. We’ve observed all you need to make your stay here minimally comfortable. As a government, we will try our best to provide power supply, foams, soap, mosquito nets, medical care and others”.
The Governor continued, “it’s 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/roofs that cause leakages when there is downpour. We shall support you,” Soludo assured.
He noted that the Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka represents Anambra East while the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne represents Anambra West, and expressed displeasure over the inability of the affected children to attend school and play football for leisure.
“This crises affects all of us Soludo bemoaned”.
“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”, Soludo stressed.
