Construction work on the Nsukka-Opi road in Nsukka Local Government Area in Enugu State has rendered at least 15 households in Uwani-Ugwu and Agbani villages homeless.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the situation was aggravated by a downpour in the early hours of Tuesday.
The flood from the downpour also washed away many farmlands in the communities.
One of the victims, Mr Emmanuel Magbo, told NAN during the on-the-spot assessment by Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, said he was at a loss following the extent of damage.
Magbo said that the affected persons had been completely displaced and appealed to the state government to come to their aid.
He said that the extent of the loss in the two communities was unquantifiable, but thanked God that no life was lost in the process.
The victim said that his belongings, including mattresses, electronics, tables and chairs were lost, adding that members of his family were currently taking refuge with relatives and friends.
“The government should as a matter of urgency re-channel that drainage channel before more people will be displaced,” he said, adding that further downpour would cause greater havoc.
Also speaking, the spokesman of the two communities, Mr Chinedu Okeossisi, said that the affected communities needed urgent attention before the situation got out of hand.
Okeosisi blamed the incident on the drainage system which the construction company emptied into their communities.
“Fifteen families from these communities have been rendered homeless following last weekend and early Tuesday downpour.
“Our demand is that the contractors should re-channel the drains out from these communities to avert further flooding and destruction of properties,” he said.
Reacting, Ugwunayi directed the contractors to initiate a temporary measure by digging a pit where the flood would settle.
The governor said that the state ministry of works would liaise with the contractors on how to redesign the construction plan and re-channel the drain from the affected areas.
He directed the state emergency management agency to audit the damage and determine the best way to assist the victims.
“I assure you that SEMA will come to the aid of the affected communities in order to help those who lost their belongings and those whose houses were destroyed,” Ugwuanyi said. (NAN)
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