Rep. Uju seeks more support for flood victims in Imo
Rep. Kingsley Uju (PDP-Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/Oru West) has solicited for more support for victims of flood disaster in Imo and other states.
Uju made the call when he visited some flood-devastated areas in his constituency, some of which included: Obiakpu, Ukwuagba, Ojiji, Opuoma Abaezi, Abacheke and Etekwuru, among others.
The lawmaker expressed concern over the devastation on the communities, whose economic mainstay were fishing and farming.
“You can see the devastation done by the flood. This year’s flood is the highest, with lots of people losing their farmlands and crops as well as houses and property.
“I am using this medium to beg President Muhammadu Buhari to come to the aid of those living by the banks of River Niger, River Benue and particularly, those living along the rivers in Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta area,” he said.
Uju, who also appealed to multinational oil firms and kind-hearted individuals for support, stressed the need for new dams and dredging of the nation’s major rivers to reduce flood impacts.
According to him, flood is a natural occurrence that can be controlled with inherent resources.
The lawmaker disclosed that National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) had approved some relief materials which, he said, would be delivered to the state government soon.
“Again, I am begging NEMA that we are tired of getting small reliefs. Please, take adequate data of the victims and provide adequately for them.
“Federal ministries and agencies, especially in the health sector, should also provide medical care, following the health hazards that may emanate from the flood disaster,” he said.
Uju also urged Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to assist the flood victims and also construct water protection lines around the river banks, while awaiting implementation of a forensic audit report.
The lawmaker, accompanied by the PDP candidate for Ohaji/Egbema state constituency, Mr Emeka Benjamin, and the local government party chairman, donated two truck-loads of relief items to the flood victims.
The items donated included: mattresses, mosquito nets, blankets, street lights and food stuffs as well as one million naira each to Oguta and Ohaji/Egbema local government areas to assist the victims.
“As your representative, I am also donating my salary and allowances for two months to further support the flood victims,” Uju added.
He further promised to construct four flood centres, two each at Oguta and Ohaji/Egbema council areas, to serve as emergency shelters for victims of flood and other disasters in the future.
He urged the victims to remain calm and patient, while awaiting responses for more donations.
A flood victim, Mr Francis Uduku, expressed the regret that the flood, which started around 12 midnight on Sept. 7, destroyed his belongings and crops.
“I couldn’t save anything except my family,” he said, adding that he had been sleeping at the community’s primary school since the flood occurred.
He appealed to the state government and multi-national oil firms to also support them with food and household items as well as seedlings and cassava stems so that they can resume farming activities after the flood might have receded.
A community leader from Abezi area of Egbema, Mr Celestine Okoro, while commending Uju for the donation, urged the federal and state governments to find lasting solutions to the perennial flooding in the country. (NAN)
