Despite the efforts of the State and federal governments to ensure better living conditions for persons affected by flood disaster who are now residing at the Holding Centers in parts of Anambra, it seems there are still surmounting challenges that must be taken care of before they return to their various homes.
David Okpokwasili visited the Father Joseph Memorial Secondary School, Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area where some of those living in the centers shared their plights.
Consequent upon the deluge that hit alarming number of communities early last month, several families were thrown out from their homes and many of their farms and worship places were destroyed.
Their only option was to run to the holding centres provided by the state government until the flood recedes and they return to their families.
Some of the persons affected by the flood and officers of the Red Cross who spoke to the ABS commended the state government for it’s prompt response to their plight.
They however listed some of their challenges in the holding centres.
The Principal of the School, Revereend Father Anthony Okoye who disclosed that the school has been providing academic opportunities for the affected children of primary and secondary school age, also shared his experience while catering for the needs of the centre residents.
However, it seemed a ray of hope enveloped the camp when the traditional ruler of Aguleri, Eze Christopher Idigo and his cabinet arrived the camp to provide food items to assuage their suffering which is in line with calls by government to well meaning individuals and organizations to provide necessary assistance to compliment government efforts.
Eze Idigo while assuring of the support of the community and government, suggested for early farming in flood prone areas to ensure harvesting before the times of flood.
While suggesting for better ways to mitigate the effects of the flood, the Chairman of Aguleri Royal Cabinet, Chief Dominic Ndife called for the training of residents of flood prone areas of the State in early warning systems and skills to manage the effects of flood.
He said this will help villagers to initiate interventions when need arises.
Other analysts harped on the need to inculcate the services of psychotherapists to take care of the psychological needs of the people at the holding centres and as well increase the number of other health workers to provide faster access to medical services for the residents of the holding center.
Comments are closed for this post.