Traders in Anambra State’s Relief Market in Ogbaru Local Government Area are counting their losses after a flood caused by heavy rain washed away shops, electric poles, and cables, Charmingpro reports
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After the flood hit the market on Friday, the market’s leadership said at least 30 shops were washed away, along with electric poles, underground cables, and water-borne pipes, among other things.
Chief David Obidike, the market’s Caretaker Committee Chairman, revealed this during a tour of the affected areas with members of his executive and newsmen.
“On one of the nights a few days ago, the chief security officer of the market called me and told me that devastating flood from Awada Area, has carried the market as the flood entered under the Sakamori (drainage) system in the market and uprooted it, thereby wreaking havoc in the market,” Obidike said.
“The flood caused extensive damage; about ten shops were washed away with their contents, and the electric armoured cables, large water-borne pipe, and telephone cables buried underground were all exhumed and damaged.”
“As I speak, we haven’t had power for a month now, since the rainy season began, and you can’t make a call, the market is blackout, and traders are using generators.”
“Because our market is located in the notorious Upper Iweka axis, these hoodlums can easily enter the market through the damaged portions caused by the erosion menace,” Obidike lamented.
He claims that the only thing keeping the traders safe from theft is a dedicated security team.
“I thank God that we have a watertight security outfit, and nobody has reported that his wares have been looted or stolen since I took office as chairman,” he said.
He begged the Anambra Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Hon. Obinna Ngonadi, the Federal Government, and all National Assembly members in the Ogbaru Federal Constituency to come to our aid because the extent of the damage is beyond our financial capability.
“We are making this appeal because if it rains again, more harm will be done to the market, let alone if the rainy season is over and nothing tangible has been done,” he explained.