FLASH FLOOD DESTROYS 50 SHOPS IN ANAMBRA MARKET

REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE

Over fifty shops have been washed away by flash flood, which has over the years ravaged Ogbaru main market, in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The flash flood, which occurred over a period of time is as a result of the Sacamori drainage channel running through Upper Iweka- Owerri road bypass which is aged and caving in at different portions within the market axis.

The President of the market, Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu, stated this when the Anambra State House of Assembly visited to ascertain the level of damage done by flood in the area.

Chief Ochiogu said though they had put in some amount of money to do palliative on some portions of the drainage, there is the need for the state government to come to their rescue before more shops would be washed away.

The Chairman House Committee on Environment, Mr. Chuks Azotani, who led other members to the on- the- spot assessment, promised that their findings would be relayed to the general House to take a resolution on the findings.

Also, the member representing Ogbaru Constituency where the market is located, Mr. Noble Igwe remarked that though the drainage lane is on a federal road, efforts would be made to fix the failed portions to save more structures from collapse .

Mr. Igwe said if the situation was not put into check, it was the traders that would be affected and demoralized from continuously paying their levies to the government.

Radio Nigeria observed that the Committee also visited another Erosion site which is threatening St.Valeriain’s Catholic Church, GRA Phase 2 Akpaka, Onitsha

The erosion had cut off two major roads adjacent the Church premises, pulled down perimeter fence and washed away major parts of the compound.

The Chairman, JDPC, Mr Boniface Okpalanwabude, told the Committee that the previous administration did some work at the site but unfortunately it was washed away.

He appeale appealled for urgent government intervention to save lives and property.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU