As the nation battles flood and its negative effects, the traditional ruler of Owelle kingdom, Igwe Anthony Onyekwere in Anambra-West Council Area, says dredging of the River Niger holds the solution to the national disaster.
Igwe Onyekwere spoke with other discussants on an ABS Radio programme, Odimma Anambraā€¯.
Igwe Onyekwere said the riverine communities along the bank of the River Niger easily get over flooding due to the fact that sand has taken over the space for water in the river.
According to the royal father, the last River Niger dredging project was a shoddy job hence, the need for complete evacuation of sand from the depth of the river to allow smooth flow of water , without over flow on the land.
He regretted the heavy casualties the current flood had taken, pointing out that farm land, cash crops and residential buildings were invaded by the flood.
The traditional Prime Minister of the town, Chief Christopher Udeze and the woman leader, Mrs Pauline Ukeji, bemoaned the loses the people of the riverine communities encountered and appealed for more assistance.
In his contribution, a former President General of Owelle Kingdom, Chief Peter Udeorah, called on the federal government and other agencies involved in agriculture to provide farmers with farm inputs early enough, so that they can embark on timely planting and harvesting before the time of flooding.