Solomon Chung, Kaduna
Residents of the Manchok community in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria, have appealed for urgent intervention from both the federal and state governments after the severe flooding of their homes and farmlands.
The residents of the community lamented about the three days down pour, which consequently submerged residential properties, business facilities, and farm lands across the community.
A resident, Mr. Duniya Sambo called on the government at all tiers to come to their rescue.
While counting his losses, Sambo said the devastating incident has affected members of the community economically, socially, and even psychologically.
“The heavy rainfall destroyed my household items, and made my family members stay up all night draining water from the house.”
Also, a farmer in the community, Luka Ishaya, said his food crops, plantation, and his only source of livelihood were heavily affected.
“The incessant rains, rather than being beneficial to crops and plantation, have brought nothing but devastation. It is really sad,” he lamented.
Another resident, Thomas Yatai, attributed the flooding to environmental issues.
“What caused this problem was the blocked water ways and the absence of appropriate drainage system in the area.
“Going forward, the government should deliberately invest in urban renewal projects, including proper channelisation and the construction of culverts and drains that are wide enough to accommodate large volumes of water,” he said.
A community youth leader, Moses Mathew, regretted the plight of the community, stressing that the youth of the area had resolved to engage in self-help measures to salvage the situation, pending any assistance from the government.
“We can not sit idly by and watch our community ravaged by floods, and therefore, we have resolved to take the bull by the horn.
“Starting on Monday, we will mobilize to excavate makeshift water channels in our community.
“We are also going to be clearing all blocked drains in order to prevent further damage.
“We will do this while we await possible intervention from the government and other well-meaning individuals or organisations.”
Although the incident was traumatic but there was no mortality recorded.