By Ifeanyi Okonkwo
No fewer than 10 shops have reportedly been submerged following flood at the Relief market in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The flood which uprooted underground electrical cables and electric poles, is threatening to cut off the by-pass of the Onitsha/Owerri road.
Chairman of the market, Chief David Obidike said criminals would have taken advantage of the situation to take over the market if not for the water-tight security in the area.
He commended government efforts in tackling the erosion that had posed serious threats to the market over the years.
He said, “The level of damages caused by the erosion was above us and that was why we called on the Governor, through his hard-working Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Obinna Ngonadi, and the erosion is presently being tackled.
“About 10 shops have caved in, electric poles uprooted and underground cables were also exhumed by the erosion that is within the Sakamori drainage system in the market.
“The last rain washed away some of the materials used for the project but we can’t ask rain not to fall, it is its’ time but the joy is that the work is on finishing touches and the traders are happy.
“Thank God that Soludo has eventually come to rescue us from the flood that has enlarged the gulley erosion to cause more harm to the traders. Criminals would have taken over the market if not for the quick intervention.
“Though there are other minor erosion threats but work on the most worrisome is almost being completed. We can only suffer to rebuild the 10 shops.”
