Residents of Akiliozizor Community Call for Permanent Flood Solution

Strategic Insights -

Residents of the Akiliozizor community in Anambra State, Nigeria, have been displaced and affected by recurring flood disasters since 2012. The community's president-general, Okwudili Oduah, has called on the federal government to provide a permanent solution to the flood problems, citing the need for a sustainable and long-term measure to control floodwaters. Oduah commended the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for conducting a flood emergency simulation exercise in the community but emphasized that temporary relief and IDP camps are not a solution to the recurring problem.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Akiliozizor community in Anambra State, Nigeria, has been affected by recurring flood disasters since 2012, displacing households and destroying infrastructure.
  • The community's president-general, Okwudili Oduah, has called on the federal government to provide a permanent solution to the flood problems.
  • Oduah commended NEMA for conducting a flood emergency simulation exercise in the community but emphasized that temporary relief and IDP camps are not a solution to the recurring problem.
  • IDP camps are not a preferred option for most residents, as men often stay behind to protect their property from vandalism, leaving women, children, and the vulnerable in the camps.
  • Oduah urged the government to adopt best practices from other flood-prone countries, including constructing dams and dredging the River Niger to increase its water-carrying capacity.
  • The community has suffered annual floods, displacing households and destroying infrastructure since 2012.

Statistics:

  • Since 2012, the Akiliozizor community has been affected by annual floods, displacing households and destroying infrastructure.
  • The community's residents have been forced to rebuild their homes yearly and repair roads damaged by floodwaters.
  • Many houses have been destroyed, and most affected residents are yet to be properly resettled.

Sources:

  • News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
  • Vanguard Newspaper
  • Premium Times
  • Okwudili Oduah, President-General, Akiliozizor Community
  • National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)