Trademore Estate Residents Cry Out Over Flooding, Seek Otti’s Intervention

Residents recount loss of property, invasion by reptiles; Govt says estate sited on flood-prone area, promises swift action

UMUAHIA — Residents of Trademore Estate in Umuahia, Abia State, have appealed to state government to urgently intervene in perennial flooding ravaging estate, alleging disaster has destroyed homes and exposed residents to safety risks.

The residents, who were at Government House in Umuahia on a peaceful match, said flooding had become recurring problem, with households losing documents, appliances and other valuables.

Mrs. Osuji Christiana, who spoke on behalf of the residents, said many families are now empty after flood.

“This flood has caused damage, a lot of things. So many people that came into that estate are now empty. A particular woman lost two fridges, her certificate and that of her husband. Some properties were lost. In fact, reptiles come into our homes. The last flood swept a python into people’s homes. It is just God that kept us there,” she said.

She raised concerns over safety of elderly and vulnerable residents, recalling how aged woman was trapped when floodwaters surrounded building, saying situation could have resulted in tragedy if residents were away at work or school.

Beyond flooding, residents appealed for health centre in estate, saying absence of functional facility had created difficulties for pregnant women and those needing emergency attention.

Responding, Special Adviser to Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, said government was aware of challenges and would take steps to address them.

He however noted estate was privately developed housing scheme located in flood-prone area, stressing proper planning and siting were critical before approving developments.

“Government is aware of challenges ravaging the place. And it is because of problem like this that government is very intentional about its developmental initiatives. If you want to build a housing estate or a market, it has to be sited at appropriate place. Anybody who has gone to that place would know that place is wrong place for housing estate. It is flood-prone area,” he said.

According to him, fact that estate was privately owned does not mean government will abandon residents, particularly as many are civil servants.

“That doesn’t mean government will keep quiet and allow its citizens to suffer, especially when we are talking about civil servants here,” Ekeoma said, adding government would explore holistic approach to flooding in area and other parts of state.

He disclosed he had discussed concerns with General Manager of Umuahia Capital Development Authority, UCDA, Mr. Kingsley Agomuo, adding officials had been inspecting affected areas.

On demand for health centre, Ekeoma described it as emergency and linked it to ongoing rehabilitation of primary healthcare facilities, noting government has embarked on provision of 200 PHCs with about 159 already functionalised and being solarised for 24-hour power supply.

“The Governor said we have to stop functionalisation for now until we solarise all ones that have been functionalised. You must have solar-powered health centres, you must have 24-hour power supply,” he said.

He assured residents government would not wait until lives are lost before responding.

“It’s very serious problem, but I can assure you government will intervene, and intervene very swiftly. It’s not something we are going to relax on until people’s lives are taken. When government says it wants to act, it acts,” he said.

He stressed the importance of proper urban planning and said Otti’s administration did not create flooding problem but would take steps to protect residents.