The Anambra State House of Assembly has invited key government officials to appear before lawmakers over the worsening flood situation affecting several communities across the state.
The decision followed growing concerns over the destruction caused by persistent rainfall and rising water levels linked to the River Niger, which have submerged homes, markets, roads, businesses and farmlands in several local government areas.
Communities in Ogbaru, Idemili North and Oyi have been among the hardest hit, with major commercial centres including Relief Market, Ochanja Market, the Building Materials Market in Ogidi and parts of Onitsha affected by the floodwaters.
Residents said the flooding has displaced families, damaged livelihoods and forced many people to seek shelter in safer locations.
One resident and poultry farmer in Ogidi, identified simply as Chinyere, lamented the losses she suffered as floodwaters swept through her farm.
“I am a poultry farmer.
The flood has swept away most of my birds. I had waited to relocate them, but the flood came suddenly. It has ruined my hopes and wasted my labour,” she said.
She added, “I don’t know where to start. I borrowed money at a high interest rate to invest in large-scale poultry farming this year.”
Reports circulating on social media also indicated that two persons were missing and feared drowned following the flooding at the Building Materials Market, while roads, fences and other infrastructure were reportedly damaged.
During plenary on Tuesday, lawmakers resolved to summon the Commissioner for Environment, Dr Clem Aguiyi; the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Chijioke Ojukwu; and the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Okey Ezeobi.
The officials are expected to appear before the Assembly on Thursday to explain measures being taken to mitigate the disaster and prevent future occurrences.
Presenting the motion, the Minority Leader and member representing Nnewi South Constituency II, Johnbosco Akaegbobi, expressed concern over the increasing impact of flooding on residents and businesses.
“Several residents have continued to suffer losses due to blocked drainages and poor environmental practices,” Akaegbobi said.
He added that a recent incident in which floodwaters reportedly swept away a Toyota Venza highlighted the severity of the challenge.
“Some recent incidents circulating on social media in which floodwaters swept away a Toyota Venza vehicle are a clear indication of the intensity and danger posed by flooding in the state,” he stated.
Other lawmakers, including Majority Leader Ikenna Ofodeme, Tony Muobike, Obi Nweke and Emma Nwafor, noted that recurrent flooding has continued to destroy homes, roads, farms and businesses, particularly in densely populated urban centres such as Onitsha, Nnewi and Awka.
They attributed part of the problem to indiscriminate refuse disposal and blocked drainage systems, calling for improved flood management measures, public awareness campaigns and better drainage infrastructure.
The lawmakers stressed that safeguarding lives and property remains a fundamental responsibility of government and urged relevant agencies to act swiftly.
Speaker of the House, Somtochukwu Udeze, commended the lawmakers for raising the issue and expressed optimism that the Assembly’s intervention would contribute to finding lasting solutions.
“The resolution would go a long way in addressing flooding challenges in the state,” Udeze said, adding that legislators have a duty to advocate for the welfare and safety of the people.
