Residents of Umuguma Federal Housing Estate in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State have appealed to the state government and relevant authorities for urgent intervention after severe flooding submerged homes and roads in the community.
They called on the government to urgently reconstruct the damaged roads and improve the drainage system to prevent the recurring floods and restore normal economic activities in the estate.
A resident, Chiamaka Enyinnaya, said sections of the roads were completely submerged, forcing commuters to wade through floodwater.
She explained that flooding has become a yearly occurrence during the rainy season, severely affecting businesses and daily activities.
Another resident and shop owner, Anayo Ikechi, blamed the persistent flooding on the poor state of the roads and inadequate drainage infrastructure.
"We are suffering seriously because of this flooding. Anytime it rains, movement becomes almost impossible. People cannot go out for work, children find it difficult to move around, and businesses are affected. We sincerely appeal to the government to come to our aid," he said.
A commercial motorcyclist, Ebuka, also lamented the poor road conditions, saying many riders now avoid the area because floodwater frequently damages their motorcycles.
"Many Okada riders avoid coming here because the roads are in very bad condition. Those of us who come take huge risks. Water enters our motorcycle exhaust pipes and damages our machines. That is why transportation fares are higher whenever it rains," he said.
Another resident, Engr. Bethel, said the deplorable condition of the roads has persisted for nearly five years despite repeated appeals to the authorities.
"It is unfortunate that a Federal Housing Estate located less than thirty minutes from the Government House still experiences this level of infrastructural decay. We hope the government will give urgent attention to this community," he said.
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