…Residents, victims blame the inferno on poorly constructed drainage channels
Residents of Nnewi, Anambra state, woke up to a devastating sight, as property worth hundreds of millions of naira was destroyed following hours of heavy rainfall recently.
The flood overflowed drainage channels, which then flowed into homes, factories, and business premises, destroying goods, property, and industrial equipment.
The state chairman of the Motorcycle Transport Welfare Association, Comrade Jude Udegbe while reacting, blamed the development on a poorly constructed drainage channel along the Nnobi Road axis of the Agulu – Nnewi – Okija road project.
“The drainage channel along the Nnobi Road axis of the Agulu – Nnewi – Okija road is narrow, and already filled with sand and garbage. So, when it rains, the flood will easily overflow the gutters and move through the roads into people’s houses, shops, and business areas.”
Udegbe revealed that, as chairman, he wrote to the state’s Commissioner for Works and copied the letter to Governor Charles Soludo, warning about inadequate and poorly connected drainage channels in the area, but no action was taken on his petition.
The Chairman urged authorities to clear sand and rubbish from the gutters before the rainy season, warning that floods could cause even greater damage if left unchecked.
Speaking to journalists, another resident, Amaka Nwizugbe, said the flood overflowed from GUO Motor Park to the Izuchukwu junction area of Nnewi main town, and worsened within the Deeper Life junction area, due to drainage issues.
“I came to my shop this morning and was shocked to my bone marrow. Bags of rice, beans, wheat, and many other things were soaked. I thought things would get better after the road construction, but I think it gets worse rather.
‘ I think too, that the problem is with the condition of the gutters presently. The gutters are filled with rubbish and sand after the road construction. It must be opened up adequately before the rainy season sets in properly, if homes and businesses must survive. She said.
Other affected residents recounted losses, ranging from damaged homes, vehicles, goods and household items.
A victim, Henry Amechi, told newsmen that his perimeter fence was pulled down, and his house was flooded.
Also speaking, a trader, Mary Nwabueze, said she lost goods and a freezer worth over ₦250,000, while others reported flooded homes and ruined property.
The victims called on Anambra state government and contractors handling the road project to urgently fix the drainage system and assist victims.
