The people of Uzoubi Community in Orlu LGA of Imo State have threatened to shut down all government businesses in the area to compel the authorities to come to their rescue over the incessant flooding that have been ravaging their homes, livestock as well as farmlands.

Our correspondent, Chukwudi Udechi who visited the flooded  Umuna community, reported that the victims are planning a peaceful demonstration to press home their plight.

In a chat with THE LEADER, an indigene of the community, Mr. Gabriel Ibemere disclosed that the issue of flooding in Umuna, particularly Uzoubi, is something that occurs every year and which has affected the community so badly.  He stressed that the recent heavy downpour of March 30, 2014, was the worst in the history of the community.  He appealed to the State Government to rescue them from the menace of flooding in Uzoubi as well as at St. Joseph’s Parish Umuna, which is the only parish at the heart of Orlu Town.

A victim of the flood, Chief Emmanuel Nnadozie decried the abandonment of the tunnel initially planned by the State Government to channel the whole flood in the area to appropriate destination, adding that the flood pit at St. Joseph’s Parish when full may necessitate the relocation of the whole community, if nothing is done soon.

He was emphatic that if what happened recently reoccurs, there might be loss of many lives.  He therefore called on the government to give an urgent attention to the issue of flooding in Umuna especially at Uzoubi Autonomous Community, so that such a thing would not be experienced again.

Chief Nnadozie pointed out that the community expressed their gratitude when they were informed that government planned to tackle the issue of flooding in Uzoubi during the construction of the roundabout at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. He however regretted the sudden abandonment of the project considering what the community is passing through.

The aggrieved indigenes of the area told our correspondent that the community has been supporting and contributing towards the development of the state, but wondered why they should be neglected.

All efforts to speak to the traditional ruler of the community, HRH Eze B.C. Okereke failed.

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