Residents of Ukwu-Mango axis, of Ifeobara Basin in Aba, Abia state have been rendered homeless after three days of a heavy downpour.
Reports have it that the flood had crippled commercial activities as well as human and vehicular movement around the Ifeobara basin near the Ariaria International Market.
They said the 5.6-kilometer drainage Abia State Government built at Ifeobara Basin to pump out stormwater from the Ariaria area to the Aba river is not functioning, as the basin has been taken over by weeds.
We gathered that the situation has been with them for many years, but got worse with the overflowing of the Ifeobara Basin as a result of the three days downpour.
The residents told our reporter that the Ifeobara Basin project had been abandoned, as the contractors have not been seen for over a year.
They said the abandonment of the Ifeobara drainage has made them hopeless, as flood is now causing untold hardship with negative effects on lives and property.
It was learnt that the submerged neighbourhood had have been occupied by fearsome miscreants who now cause serious fear in most of the adjoining streets.
A resident, Moses Igwe, told our reporter that they have tried their best to tackle the flood with their own local knowledge, but the situation has overpowered them.
He noted that the flood has sacked many families, submerged homes, and made it extremely difficult for families to even come out from daily businesses.
He said “From Omuma road, the abattoir (slaughter) at Old Express, down to Francis Street, Olumba Street and the whole of this Ukwu Mango, no place is safe from flood. We’re leaving in a disaster zone.
“The Ifeobara Basin they always say on radio that’s pumping water to Aba river is not functioning. There’s nothing like pumping water away from here to Aba river. People come out and enter their houses by the grace of God.
“If there’s anything the government can do sincerely to save us from the bad situation let them do it. People are already running away from their homes here,”
Source: Vanguard
