By Our Correspondent
Residents of St. John Street, Ifite-Awka, in Awka are calling for urgent government intervention following severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall earlier this week.
The flood submerged homes, churches and shops, destroying property, household items, documents and equipment worth millions of naira.
One of the worst-hit facilities was Foursquare Gospel Church, where floodwater covered the church premises and damaged musical instruments, documents and other valuables.
Speaking to journalists, the District Overseer, Reverend Sam Ufo, blamed the perennial flooding on blocked drainage channels and illegal structures built on natural waterways.
According to him, some developers blocked drainage paths meant to channel floodwater into a nearby canal, worsening the flooding situation in the area.
Chairman of the street, Uzochukwu Umejiege, said the community suffers recurring floods during rainy seasons because the area lies at the end of a slope receiving runoff from other parts of Ifite-Awka.
Residents appealed to the Anambra State Government and development control authorities to recover blocked waterways, enforce building regulations and construct wider drainage systems to prevent future disasters.
A resident, Daniel Nwokolo, described the flooding as avoidable, urging authorities to strengthen monitoring of building activities and drainage infrastructure in the area.
Tags: Flooding, Ifite-Awka, Awka, Anambra State, Drainage Blockage, Environmental Hazard, Foursquare Gospel Church, Rainstorm, Urban Development, Nigeria News
